Exoplanetary Atmospheres & Habitability
Characterizing chemical spectra and climate dynamics of worlds beyond our Solar System.
Division Overview & Scientific Context
Over 5,600 confirmed exoplanets have transformed our understanding of planetary architectures. Using transmission and emission spectroscopy, astronomers measure how starlight is filtered through an exoplanet's atmosphere during transit. With telescopes like JWST and Ariel, we detect water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and explore potential biomarker candidates like dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in candidate Hycean worlds.
Interactive Photometric Transit Simulator
Exoplanet Transit Light Curve & Radius Estimator
Simulate Kepler & TESS transit depth (ΔF/F ≈ (R_p / R_★)²) and calculate planetary volumetric classification.
Breakthrough Discoveries
First Photochemical Smog on WASP-39b
2023JWST detected sulfur dioxide (SO2) created by high-energy photochemical reactions in an exoplanetary atmosphere.
Atmosphere Stripping on TRAPPIST-1b & 1c
2023Thermal emission measurements with MIRI ruled out thick, volatile-rich atmospheres on the inner TRAPPIST-1 worlds.
Carbon-Bearing Molecules on K2-18b
2023Detection of methane (CH4) and CO2 in the habitable-zone sub-Neptune K2-18b, pointing to a potential ocean-bearing world.
Observational Methodologies
Measures wavelength-dependent dip in stellar brightness when a planet passes across its host star.
Uses coronagraphs and extreme adaptive optics to block blinding host starlight to image young, glowing planets directly.
Detects sub-meter/second shifts in stellar spectral lines to calculate precise planetary mass.