How do high energy processes affect planetary formation and habitability?

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X-ray illumination is likely a critical regulator in the formation and early evolution of planets in the disk. X-ray observations of host stars reveal high-energy inputs to protoplanetary disks and planetary atmospheres due to stellar winds and violent magnetic flaring. X-ray and infrared spectroscopic studies of protoplanetary disks show that X-ray ionization is present, and theoretical calculations indicate its importance to disk thermodynamics, chemistry and dynamics.

IXO will observe protoplanetary systems to produce a time-series of the iron Kα line intensity over the a few hours following a superflare to reveal the disk structure as viewed by the X-ray emitting magnetic loop with ~2 AU spatial resolution. Combined with space-based and ground-based (e.g., Keck mid-infrared adaptive optics, Atacama Large Millimeter Array) data, detailed portraits of these particular X-ray illuminated protoplanetary disks will emerge.

XMM-Newton image of Jupiter in the charge–exchange O VII lines. Courtesy of E. Feigelson et al. Click the image for a larger view.

XMM-Newton images of Jupiter in the fluorescent Fe XVII lines. Courtesy of E. Feigelson et al. Click the image for a larger view.

For more information, refer to IXO Astro 2010 Decadal White Papers: X-ray Studies of Planetary Systems, E. Feigelson et al.