Date: Monday 21-Apr-2025
Time: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Location: ATL 1250 and Zoom (contact host Megan Weiner Mansfield for link)
Speaker: Megan Weiner Mansfield (University of Maryland)
Title: Searching for atmospheres on rocky M-dwarf planets with JWST
Abstract: One of the most exciting opportunities enabled by JWST is the characterization of atmospheres on terrestrial planets orbiting M Dwarfs (M-Earths). However, transmission spectroscopy of M-Earths with JWST has been ambiguous due to challenges such as stellar contamination. I will describe the technique of using thermal emission to search for atmospheres on M-Earths and present several new observations of M-Earths in thermal emission with JWST/MIRI+LRS. These observations overall show hot daysides which firmly rule out the presence of thick, Venus-like atmospheres. However, when combined with other JWST M-Earth results, they show a tentative trend in measured brightness temperature as a function of instellation, with less irradiated planets generally less consistent with dark and bare rocks. I will discuss potential hypotheses that could explain this trend and the prospects for using the ongoing Rocky Worlds DDT program to differentiate between them.
If you have any questions, contact the PALS hosts: Benjamin Sharkey (small bodies) and Matt Nixon (exoplanets).
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
ATL 1250 is a flat, carpeted conference room that can accommodate approximately 20-30 people at large tables. The closest wheelchair accessible entry to this room in the Atlantic building is the white stone entrance at 224 Stadium Drive.
