ITN:
X-Ray observations of an extrasolar planetary system
Quote:
Stars emit X-rays from their hot outer atmospheres (the "corona") as strong magnetic fields from the stellar surface heat the gas.
..
The X-rays might, for example, significantly heat the planet's atmosphere, accelerate the loss of its gases, alter the chemistry, or otherwise influence its atmosphere's properties.
…
The team then modeled the possible magnetic interactions between the planet and star, finding generally good agreement between theory and observation. This enabled them to conclude that magnetic interactions between the planet and the star can distort the star's coronal structure, and also can enhance the magnetic field in the space between them. Additional observations are needed to probe some of the more complex questions, but the results so far provide new insight into the heating of hot Jupiters. They also caution that age estimates of stars based on their coronal activity could be suspect if hot Jupiters are present.
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Now, I
can see you might get some interesting plasma effects going on in this scenario. Notice that there is
good agreement between the theory and observations.
Cheers
PS: Ie: one-tenth of an AU from the star.
