Spectral Analysis of X-ray Emissions from Solar System Objects

Abstract:

We report our findings on the variability of X-ray emission mechanisms between solar system objects. We discuss our model that generates X-ray spectra of solar wind charge exchange emissions together with accurate scattering and fluorescence spectra of solar X-rays by atoms, molecules, and dust/ice particles. Our modeled spectra is fit to observational data to determine the major emission mechanisms for a variety of solar system objects. We compare these results between objects to discuss how differences in composition, distance, and interaction with the solar wind generates these emission variances. Additionally, our results demonstrate how a complete emission model may be used as a remote diagnostic tool to infer the solar wind composition as well as parameters of an object's environment, such as dust emission rates.