A Search for Radio Emission from Extrasolar Planets

Citations Over TimeTop 19% of 2000 papers

Abstract

All magnetized planets in the solar system emit intense cyclotron maser radiation. Like Jupiter, extrasolar giant planets are probably magnetized. If, in addition, there is a source of energetic (keV) electrons in their magnetospheres, from auroral processes or as a result of magnetic coupling between the planet and a satellite, it is likely that extrasolar planets are cyclotron-maser emitters. Detection and follow-up observations of cyclotron maser radiation from an exoplanet would reveal the presence, strength, and complexity of the planetary magnetic field, the planet's rotation rate, and possibly the presence of an Io-like moon within the planet's magnetosphere. Magnetic fields may be necessary for life to exist on the surface of planets because they provide protection from the nefarious effects of energetic particles of stellar winds, stellar flares, and cosmic rays. We have conducted a search for radio emission from extrasolar planets and brown dwarfs at decimeter and meter wavelengths using the Very Large Array (VLA). We have observed seven extrasolar planets and two brown dwarfs at 333 and 1465 MHz, and one extrasolar planet and one brown dwarf at 74 MHz. Typical (1 σ) sensitivities were 0.02-0.07 mJy at 1465 MHz, 1-10 mJy at 333 MHz, and ~50 mJy at 74 MHz. To date, no detections have been made.

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