The Influence of a Stellar Flare on the Dynamical State of the Atmosphere of the Exoplanet HD 209458b

Abstract

A one-dimensional aeronomic model of the upper atmosphere of a giant planet is used to study the reaction of the atmosphere of the hot Jupiter HD 209458b to additional heating by a stellar flare. It is shown that the absorption of additional energy from the stellar flare in the extreme ultraviolet leads to local heating of the atmosphere, accompanied by the formation of two shocks propagating in the atmosphere. Possible observational manifestations of these shocks and the feasibility of their detection are discussed.