Exo-space weather: The impact of stellar activity and outflows on exoplanets

Abstract: 

Activity of cool dwarf stars can reveal itself in the form of high-energy radiation (eg, enhanced X-ray coronal emission, flares) and particles (eg, winds, coronal mass ejections). Together, these phenomena shape the space weather around (exo)planets. Because most of the known exoplanets have significantly closer orbital distances than solar system planets, they are often embedded in much harsher particle and radiation environments, leading to stronger interactions between the exoplanet and its surrounding environment.

In this talk I will present some of our recent modelling efforts investigating how stellar activity and outflows can induce and shape atmospheric escape in exoplanets. I will also present the other side of the story: how (and when) exoplanets can affect the host star, in particular, focusing on radio emission that exoplanets can induce in the coronae of stars. Altogether, these interactions can help us characterise the system, putting physical constraints on planetary properties (such as their still elusive magnetic fields) as well as properties of the winds of planet hosting stars.

Location

Organiser