Optical Albedo Theory of Strongly-Irradiated Giant Planets: The Case of HD 209458b

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

6 pages, 1 table, 1 color figure; accepted to the Astrophysical Journal

Scientific paper

10.1086/589824

We calculate a new suite of albedo models for close-in extrasolar giant planets and compare with the recent stringent upper limit for HD 209458b of Rowe et al. using MOST. We find that all models without scattering clouds are consistent with this optical limit. We explore the dependence on wavelength and waveband, metallicity, the degree of heat redistribution, and the possible presence of thermal inversions and find a rich diversity of behaviors. Measurements of transiting extrasolar giant planets (EGPs) at short wavelengths by MOST, Kepler, and CoRoT, as well as by proposed dedicated multi-band missions, can complement measurements in the near- and mid-IR using {\it Spitzer} and JWST. Collectively, such measurements can help determine metallicity, compositions, atmospheric temperatures, and the cause of thermal inversions (when they arise) for EGPs with a broad range of radii, masses, degrees of stellar insolation, and ages. With this paper, we reappraise and highlight the diagnostic potential of albedo measurements of hot EGPs shortward of $\sim$1.3 $\mu$m.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Optical Albedo Theory of Strongly-Irradiated Giant Planets: The Case of HD 209458b 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 Optical Albedo Theory of Strongly-Irradiated Giant Planets: The Case of HD 209458b, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical Albedo Theory of Strongly-Irradiated Giant Planets: The Case of HD 209458b will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-637344

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.