Evan Wille L&S Math & Physical Sciences
Bridging the Gap: A Multi-Wavelength Model of Exomoon-Induced Aurorae
Detecting exoplanets, or planets beyond our solar system, faces many limitations in current work. The primary method, known as “”transit photometry,”” can not measure more than 10% of the total predicted population of exoplanets!
In this project, I want to use what scientists have learned about the dynamics between Jupiter and Io to develop an alternative method to find exoplanets. Jupiter and Io have a special relationship: much of Jupiter’s magnetosphere is fueled by Io’s intense volcanism. The constant loading of plasma from Io drives intense aurorae, just like the Aurora Borealis here on Earth. Aurorae have strong signatures in infrared wavelengths in addition to radio wavelengths of light, and this research will unify both of these wavelength regimes to simulate a reconstruction of Jupiter and Io. This simulation will be scalable in distance so we can estimate the emission intensities that we receive on Earth if Jupiter and Io were placed in nearby solar systems. In addition, the strength of emissions can be scaled so we can identify the lower threshold of emission strength needed to make detections on this mechanism with current available telescopes.
Message To Sponsor
I give my immense gratitude to my donors for supporting my summer research under the SURF fellowship. With this funding, I can commit to conducting timeless research that can be used to find new, potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system. Getting to conduct research as an undergraduate at a prestigious university like UC Berkeley is a huge privilege, and I am forever grateful for your support in allowing me to continue to do so. Thank you so much, again!