November 2, 2012, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

November 2, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

The Space Physics of Close-in Exoplanets

Ofer Cohen, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Plasma physics is known to play a significant role in the solar system. From the solar magnetic field, which dictates the structure of the solar atmosphere, the solar wind, and the heliosphere, to planetary magnetospheres, and upper atmospheres of both magnetized and non-magnetized planets. By now, hundreds of exoplanets have been detected and many of these planets are found at an extremely close distance from their host star. The close proximity to the star introduces a whole new set of phenomena related to plasma physics. In my talk, I will discuss how plasma physics processes in close-in exoplanetary systems impact the star, the planetary atmosphere, and planet habitability.