Colloq Abstract - Kao

September 1, 2023

11:00am Mountain

Melodie Kao (UCSC)

Extrasolar Analogs: Aurorae and Radiation Belts

 

Abstract

Planetary magnetic fields influence atmospheric evolution from space weather and yield insights into planet interiors. The most direct way of characterizing magnetic fields on exoplanets and their brown dwarf cousins is by observing exo-aurorae at radio frequencies. Additionally, extrasolar radiation belt provide an alternative means for assessing the physics occurring in substellar magnetospheres. Low-frequency radio arrays will soon be sensitive to exoplanet radio emission and provide a new means of exoplanet detection and characterization. Now is a critical time to prepare for these upcoming searches by harnessing detailed studies of radio emission on observationally accessible exoplanet analogs: planetary-mass and cold brown dwarfs. I will synthesize the state of the art for radio star-planet interactions as well as brown dwarf magnetospheric radio studies, discuss implications for exoplanet magnetism, and highlight opportunities for the next generation of ground- and space-based radio facilities.

Local Host: Dale Frail

 

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