Explore 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.Modeling Clear Exoplanet Atmospheres
Astronomers predict the theoretical exoplanet spectrum they would expect to observe under ideal conditions. Each predictive model is specific to a particular set of atmospheric conditions.
For Hot Jupiters, the "atmosphere" refers to the outermost layer of the planet where light from the host star can pass through. (Below this atmospheric layer, the gas is fully opaque to starlight.)
Spectrum Tool.
- View the tutorial below, which describes a model for a Hot Jupiter exoplanet with clear skies.
- Use the vertical measuring tool on the second step of the tutorial to measure the wavelengths of the features for different atoms and molecules to answer question 1 below.
- Use the dropdown menu under Source 2 to compare individual atomic and molecular spectra with the Hot Jupiter model spectrum.
Spectrum Notebook. As you view the tutorial, answer these questions in your Notebook.
- 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?
- Why do you think astronomers create computer-generated predictions of exoplanet atmospheres?
Brightness This is a computer-generated 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.
The model spectrum has much higher resolution than the real exoplanet spectra from NASA telescopes.
Wavelength (microns)