The project focuses on the imprints of magnetic fields in exoplanets. This is undertaken by theoretical modeling of the long-term evolution and the dynamo active in the interior, and by comparing these models with the observables where magnetic fields are involved: the inflation of radius observed in some "hot Jupiters" (giant planets orbiting very close to their stars), and the radio emission at very low frequencies (sub-GHz).
The magnetism in exoplanets have been explored at a lesser extent, compared to the Solar system and other astrophysical contexts. We have now had a good characterization of the magnetism in Jupiter, our giant neighbour, whose properties can be a proxy for what we can expect from other stellar systems. Moreover, planets exhibit a huge diversity in terms of dimensions, masses, structure, composition, and distance to the host star.
Bottomline, there is a large space for improvement in the next decade in the context of exoplanetary magnetism.
The overall objectives are to answer the following questions:
How magnetic fields evolve over billions of years, depending on the type of exoplanet?
How the imprints of magnetic fields shape the characteristics of the observed gas giants’ population?
How can we identify the best target for detection of exoplanetary radio emissions?
How the magnetic shielding impacts the terrestrial planets’ habitability?
Besides the scientific aims, a part of the project is dedicated to outreach and teaching activities, with a concrete social impact. In particular, within a regional program, we are working with one of the many public school suffering social segregation, though the designing of activities and training to the teachers, in order to make such a school more attractive.
