Synthetic XUV spectra of GJ 3470

We detect three flares from GJ 3470. They show different spectral energy distributions but peak consistently in the SiIII line, which traces intermediate-temperature layers in the transition region. These layers appear to play a particular role in GJ 3470's activity as emission lines that form at lower or higher temperatures than SiIII evolved differently over the long term.

Based on the measured emission lines, we derive synthetic X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet (X+EUV, or XUV) spectra for the six observed quiescent phases, covering one year, as well as for the three flaring episodes. Our results suggest that most of GJ 3470's quiescent high-energy emission comes from the EUV domain, with flares amplifying the FUV emission more strongly. The neutral hydrogen photoionization lifetimes and mass loss derived for GJ 3470b show little variation over the epochs, in agreement with the stability of the exosphere.

Simulations informed by our XUV spectra are required to understand the atmospheric structure and evolution of GJ 3470b and the role played by evaporation in the formation of the hot-Neptune desert.