NOIRLab - Strong Hints of Magnetic Fields On Exoplanets

Using the Gemini North telescope in Hawai'i and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, a team of astronomers measured wind speeds on seven very hot, Jupiter-like exoplanets. The observations revealed that the winds on these planets are most likely governed by magnetic fields, providing the first robust measurement of magnetic activity on planets outside the Solar System. In this podcast, Dr. Hayley Beltz describes how these magnetic fields were discovered from observations using data from the Gemini North telescope in Hawai'i and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope.   Bios: - Rob Sparks is in the Communications, Education and Engagement group at NSF's NOIRLab in Tucson, Arizona. - Dr. Hayley Beltz currently a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Kansas and an incoming NHFP Sagan Fellow. Her work focuses looking at hot and ultrahot Jupiter atmospheres with three-dimensional atmospheric models and exploring how magnetic effects might change atmospheric circulation and appear observationally. She is also very passionate about teaching and mentoring students. You can find more about her, including recent papers at hayleybeltz.com   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at [email protected].