Exploring exoplanet atmospheres

Investigate the atmospheres of planets outside our solar system, then make a pitch for what exoplanet spectra you’d like to capture with the James Webb Space Telescope.

Tutorial: Exoplanet atmospheres

Spectrum Tool. Astronomers predict the theoretical spectrum they would expect to observe under ideal conditions. Each predictive model is specific to a particular set of astmospheric conditions. Let’s explore some of these models, starting with the model for clear skies.

Spectrum Notebook. Once you’ve completed the tutorial, go to the Tutorial: Modeling Exoplanet Atmospheres section and answer the following questions:

  1. Why do you think astronomers create computer-generated predictions of exoplanet atmospheres?
  2. What are the approximate center wavelengths of the Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and three Water Vapor (H2O) features in the Comparison Atomic and Molecular spectra, and in the Clear Hot Jupiter model?
Source:
Exoplanet Models — Clear Hot Jupiter Model Transmission
Brightness
Full-intensity spectrum backgroundTransparency increases or decreases based on chart intensity, hiding or revealing the background
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Spectrum intensity vs wavelength chart

This is a high-resolution model of the predicted transmission spectrum from a cloud-free “Hot Jupiter” exoplanet.

It is based on what astronomers know about planetary atmospheres and the physics and chemistry of atoms and molecules at the temperatures and pressures found in these planets.

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Wavelength (Microns)