The X-ray irradiation and evaporation of exoplanet atmospheres

The project is an observational study of the X-ray emission of exoplanet host stars. The goal is to quantify the X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet irradiation of the atmospheres of the exoplanets in order assess the role of high-energy irradiation in atmospheric evolution. This will include studies of the X-ray evolution with age of the system, as well as the effects of activity cycles and stellar flares. For potentially habitable planets, such as those orbiting TRAPPIST-1, the beneficial effects of removing a thick primary atmosphere will be balanced against the potential detrimental effects on the composition and water content of a secondary atmosphere.