Date: Monday 07-Dec-2020
Time: 11:15-12:15
Location: Online via Zoom (link sent out to the PALS distribution list prior to the talk)
Speaker: Erin May (JHU/APL)
Title: Observations of Exoplanet Atmospheres: what have we learned and where do we go from here?
The impending launch of JWST brings with it the unparalleled abilities to characterize the atmospheres of rocky worlds. But are we ready? While most ground-based and Spitzer observations to-date have primarily focused on larger, gaseous planets, lessons learned in systematic removals and data analysis will inform the methods with which we recover the signals from terrestrial planets. Of course, the ability to observe rocky worlds brings with it a need for updated modeling schemes that take into account the various subtleties involved in the spectra of small planets. 3D modeling predictions for classifying terrestrial and mini-Neptune atmospheres will allow us to identify interesting rocky targets for follow up, while predictions for the impact of cloud variability on transmission and emission observations with JWST will inform best-practices for multi-epoch observations. The increased complexities of terrestrial atmospheres means we have more puzzle pieces to consider, but by starting with what we know from our work with larger targets, we may just have a hope of detecting molecular abundances in rocky, potentially habitable worlds, in the near future.
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.
