Computer Science
Scientific paper
May 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011sptz.prop80128d&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #80128
Computer Science
Scientific paper
We propose a joint Spitzer-HST program to observe transits of the exoNeptune planet HAT-P-11. From the wavelength dependence of the transit depths, we will infer the composition of this world's atmosphere. Our Spitzer photometry at both 3.6- and 4.5-microns will be sensitive to depletions or enhancements of methane such as recently reported for GJ436b. HST/WFC3 spectroscopy of water vapor at 1.4-microns will measure the oxygen abundance, a proxy for potential heavy-element enrichment of the planet. In addition to molecular composition, our suite of data will be sensitive to the presence of clouds and haze, similar to the recent Bean et al. observations of GJ1214b. Not only is HAT-P-11 key to understanding the unusual atmospheric compositions of small planets, but it also presents us with very favorable observational circumstances. It has the most massive atmosphere of any planet smaller than the gas giants, and it lies in the Kepler field. High-cadence photometry from Kepler will be acquired simultaneously with our Spitzer and HST observations. The Kepler data will not only provide an exquisitely precise optical radius, but will also allow us to model and remove the effect of star spots from our HST and Spitzer data.
Deming Drake
Knutson Heather
Madhusudhan Nikku
Todorov Kamen
No associations
LandOfFree
Atmospheric Composition of the ExoNeptune HAT-P-11 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Atmospheric Composition of the ExoNeptune HAT-P-11, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Atmospheric Composition of the ExoNeptune HAT-P-11 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1207842