Planetary and exoplanetary Astronomy Lunch Seminar (PALS) for 2020-10-05

Series: Planetary and exoplanetary Astronomy Lunch Seminar (PALS)
Date: Monday 05-Oct-2020
Time: 11:15-12:15
Location: Online via Zoom (link sent out to the PALS distribution list prior to the talk)
Speaker: Sarah Moran (JHU)
Title: Clouds and Haze of sub-Neptune Worlds from the Lab

Little experimental laboratory work has been done to explore the properties of photochemical hazes formed in exoplanets, despite their role in atmospheric chemistry and their subsequent possible impact on observations, both for those of current observatories like Hubble and in the future with JWST and ground-based observatories. I will present results of the composition of haze particles produced from exoplanet laboratory studies in the JHU PHAZER laboratory. Many complex molecular species with general chemical formulae CwHxNyOz were detected in the haze particles, including those with prebiotic applications, such as the formulae for amino acids, nucleobases, and simple sugars. I will discuss the implications of these chemical measurements as they compare to existing atmospheric models of exoplanet photochemistry. Additionally, the experimental exoplanetary haze analogues exhibit diverse physical properties, which may help us understand their role as potential cloud condensation nuclei and their role in subsequent atmospheric evolution. Finally, I will discuss how we can apply what we’ve learned from the laboratory into atmospheric models for existing and future observations of sub-Neptune-sized exoplanets.

For further information contact PALS coordinator Dr. Lori Feaga at feaga@astro.umd.edu or (301)-405-1383.

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.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

Directions and information about parking can be found here.

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