Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP)
Study of Atmospheric Ion Escape From Exoplanet TOI-700 d: Venus Analogs
Abstract: The recent discovery of Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones (HZ) of cool stars (M dwarfs) has focused attention on whether liquid water and life exist on these planets. These planets are exposed to stronger X-ray and EUV (XUV) radiation than the Solar system terrestrial planets because the X-ray to bolometric luminosity ratio of M dwarfs is substantially larger than Sun-like stars. TOI-700 system is one such target, with an Earth-sized planet (TOI-700 d) in the HZ of the M2 star.
Recent spectroscopic observations of stellar flares and possible stellar mass ejections
Abstract: Flares are frequent energetic explosions in the stellar atmosphere, and are thought to occur by impulsive releases of magnetic energy stored around starspots. Large flares (so called “superflares”) generate strong high energy X-ray and ultraviolet emissions and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which can greatly affect the planetary environment and habitability. Recent Kepler/TESS photometric data have revealed the statistical properties of superflares on G, K, and M-type stars.
The Space Weather Operational Readiness Development (SWORD) Center: a new NASA center of excellence at CU
The Space Weather Operational Readiness Development (SWORD) Center is a new international, multi-disciplinary focal point where space weather researchers, operational forecasters, industry partners, and the space weather community will collaborate on transformative research to improve forecasts and nowcasts of the orbital and cis-lunar space environment. SWORD is led by Tom Berger out of CU’s Space Weather Technology, Research, and Education Center (SWx TREC) with major contributions from LASP Co-Investigators.