Monte Carlo Simulations of Atmospheric Loss by Stellar Winds from Exoplanets

摘要: Hot Jupiters are a class of extra-solar planets. Massive gas giants on the same size scale as Jupiter, they orbit their host stars closely. This proximity results in large stellar winds capable stripping away planet’s atmosphere. Developing more complete understanding atmospheric mass loss and evolution planetary bodies is critical, Jupiter systems accessible analogues. project will seek to create computational model estimating rates due winds. A Monte Carlo method utilized take an ensemble single, high-energy energetic neutral particles, produced by kilo-electronvolt wind ions, trace path through theoretical atmospheres. As these particles travel, collide many times, imparting energy molecules potentially exciting them high enough energies escape gravity. Different mechanisms for particle interaction also be analyzed order determine impact rates. Overall, this modelling can used predict effects variables flux escaping different parametric families observed hot Jupiters.