Modelling the Impact of Magnetic Storms on Planetary Environments

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), large scale transient eruptions observed in the Sun, are thought to also be spawned by other magnetically active stars. The magnetic flux ropes intrinsic to these storms, and associated high-speed plasma ejecta perturb planetary environments creating hazardous conditions. To understand the physics of CME impact and consequent perturbations in planetary environments, we use 3D compressible magnetohydrodynamic simulation of a star-planet module (CESSI-SPIM) developed at CESSI, IISER Kolkata based on the PLUTO code architecture.  We explore magnetohydrodynamic processes such as the formation of a bow-shock, magnetopause, magnetotail, planet-bound current sheets and atmospheric mass loss as a consequence of magnetic-storm-planetary interactions. Specifically, we utilize a realistic, twisted flux rope model for our CME, which leads to interesting dynamics related to helicity injection into the magnetosphere. Such studies will help us understand how energetic magnetic storms from host stars impact magnetospheres and atmospheres with implications for planetary and exoplanetary habitability.