Comparative planetary X-ray emissions

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This programme of research includes data analysis and theoretical modelling of X-ray emissions from diverse planetary space environments. We will use space-based telescopes to observe Jupiter and Saturn in the X-ray (using the XMM/Newton and Chandra X-ray Observatory), and compare them with emissions measured in the ultraviolet (using the Hubble Space Telescope). These data will increase our understanding of the processes which produce both 'auroral' and 'non-auroral' planetary X-ray emissions in general, and will allow direct investigation of the relationship between the X-ray and ultraviolet emissions at Jupiter and Saturn. Studies of this nature allow an advanced understanding of the physical mechanisms which produce the emissions, and hence lead to a greater understanding of astrophysical plasmas in general. Planetary X-ray (and UV) signatures are an intriguing manifestation of the interaction between the body in question with its surrounding plasma environment, and as such offer important clues as to the nature of the interaction between the solar wind, the magnetosphere, and the upper atmosphere and/or the surface of the planet. We will develop existing theoretical models for Jupiter and Saturn, and compare the results of these models with the X-ray and ultraviolet observations. This comparative planetary science will enable the development of a new research programme on the subject of Mercury in preparation for the BepiColombo mission (the Space Research Centre will build the X-ray spectrometer - MIXS). We will begin our studies of Mercury by re-analysing the Mariner-10 data, develop theoretical models of the current systems which exist, and estimate the X-ray flux associated with the solar wind interaction with Mercury's magnetosphere. We will analyse the new data from the NASA Messenger mission to Mercury, which will become available during the final year of this grant. Studies of this nature are essential to allow full understanding and exploitation of the data from the MIXS experiment at Mercury.