ExLOO — Exoplanet science with LOFAR2.0

What we want to do

The low radio frequency skycarries unique information on the plasma environment and magnetic fields of exoplanets, brown dwarfs, and stars. Radio observations also probe magnetic interactions between exoplanets and their host stars (star--planet interaction) which, in addition to being a novel exoplanet characterisation and discovery technique, determines the rate of exoplanet atmospheric heating and stripping.

Using the unparalleled sensitivity of LOFAR1.0, our group has opened up this low frequency window to stellar and exoplanet science. We have discovered the underlying radio population of suspected star--planet interaction candidates, the coldest brown dwarfs (massive cousins of exoplanets), and found tentative evidence for radio emission from an exoplanet. In this process we have also built a team with modelling and multi-wavelength expertise that has a multiplicative effect on the scientific value of LOFAR data.

With the ExLOO survey we propose to exploit the sensitivity and bandwidth capabilities of the LOFAR2.0 upgrade to (a) test magnetic dynamo scaling laws in the exoplanet field-strength regime, (b) determine the effect of stellar coronal plasma, particularly magnetic star--planet interaction, on exoplanet atmospheres and (c) achieve a direct detection of radio emission from a gas-giant exoplanet for the first time. We plan to achieve these ambitious goals using 1700 effective hours (5400 hr of on-target exposure) of LOFAR2.0 observations on 40 targets comprising red-dwarf stars, brown dwarfs, and exoplanets. In doing so, we intend to serve the larger LOFAR community by collaboratively developing software tools for polarimetric calibration/analysis and deep integration down to 20 MHz.

The Dream Team

Demographics

In order to tackle the scientific challenges of the ExLOO proposal, we have formed a specialist team that is diverse geographically, technically, and in career-stage. Our research team is composed of experts that cover the electromagnatic spectrum and key theoretical areas of stellar and exoplanetary science.

We have team members from seven of the ten ILT countries, as shown in the figure below. Demonstrating that our survey is maximising reach and inclusivity, we also have domain experts from numerous non-ILT countries such as Spain, Austria, Australia, and the USA. In turn, these non-ILT collaborators facilitate integration into key observing programs and consortia usually not available to ILT members, such as HPF and CARMENES.

The career diversity of our team is also evenly balanced between early- (<7 years since PhD), mid- (<20 years since PhD), and late- (>20 years since PhD) career researchers, as shown in the figure below.

Despite our success in achieving a healthy team diversity in expertise, career, and geography, our gender diversity is unsatisfactory (~20% woman-identifying representation). While we have women in key positions of leadership in the survey, we recognise the need to increase the number of women contributing to the survey. We are well placed to address this since the exoplanet field is known to be a more gender diverse than other parts of astronomy. As our impact on the exoplanet field will grow with time, we expect to be able to attract that talent. We will implement a mentor program that will encourage women ECRs to take leadership roles in the survey. We will also facilitate online sub-conscious bias training for our team to ensure the environment of our team is welcome to all backgrounds.

Policies

To make a successful and well functioning team, polcies on membership, projects, and publications have to be clearly defined. You can find drafts of our policies here: https://tinyurl.com/exloopolicy.

All members of the ExLOO survey team will abide by the following Code of Conduct:

The ExLOO survey is dedicated to providing an inclusive, equitable, supportive, and safe environment for members and collaborators. We value, respect, and aim to accommodate all members of our community and the diversity of their identities including gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, cultural background, age, nationality, family status, opinion or religion.

We behave with respect and compassion, and we are kind to others. All our communication, written, verbal and non-verbal should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of all different backgrounds. We do not insult or put down anyone. We do not tolerate any discriminative or exclusionary communication, behaviour or harassment in any form. All members are required to act with academic integrity in their research.

Many situations related to the code of conduct can be solved immediately by a respectful discussion. In other cases the situation can be reported by contacting either the PIs or a member of the ExLOO advisory board. The parties involved will be heard on the shortest possible notice. Based on the outcome of the investigation, further actions may be taken.

contact

If you need more information, or want to join the team. Please reach out to the Principal Investigators:

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