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arXiv · 1308.4184

Detection of Exomoons Through Observation of Radio Emissions

Joaquin P. Noyola·Suman Satyal·Zdzislaw E. Musielak
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Abstract

In the Jupiter-Io system, the moon's motion produces currents along the field lines that connect it to Jupiter's polar regions. The currents generate, and modulate radio emissions along their paths via the electron-cyclotron maser instability. Based on this process, we suggest that such modulation of planetary radio emissions may reveal the presence of exomoons around giant planets in exoplanetary systems. A model explaining the modulation mechanism in the Jupiter-Io system is extrapolated, and used to define criteria for exomoon detectability. A cautiously optimistic scenario of possible detection of such exomoons around Epsilon Eridani b, and Gliese 876 b is provided.

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Joaquin P. Noyola, Suman Satyal, Zdzislaw E. Musielak. 2014-06-20. Detection of Exomoons Through Observation of Radio Emissions. https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637x%2F791%2F1%2F25

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