Other
Scientific paper
Jan 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011aas...21741807k&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #217, #418.07; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 43, 2011
Other
Scientific paper
GJ 1214b is the first transiting super-Earth that requires a significant atmosphere to explain its observed mass and radius. Two classes of models have been proposed to explain the planet's observed low density. One requires a rocky inner core with a significant hydrogen-helium atmosphere. The other is a "water world" scenario where the bulk of the planet would be composed primarily of water. Such a planet would be enshrouded by a thick water vapor atmosphere. Breaking the degeneracy between these two classes of models requires observing the planet's atmosphere to identify the key differences between a mostly hydrogen atmosphere and a water atmosphere. Our modeling effort reveals that transit (transmission) spectroscopy should be the most straightforward way of affirming the composition of GJ 1214b's atmosphere. Furthermore, the signature of a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere on GJ 1214b should be quite large -- on the order of 0.1-0.3% relative to its host star -- and readily observable with current ground-based and space-based instrumentation. The presence of clouds or hazes in the planet's atmosphere could further complicate the interpretation of transmission spectra for GJ 1214b. We find that some chemical species may condense to form clouds in the atmosphere of GJ 1214b. We have additionally applied a photochemical model to this planet, and we find that hydrocarbon hazes may readily form in GJ 1214b's atmosphere.
Fortney Jonathan J.
Kempton Eliza
Zahnle Kevin
No associations
LandOfFree
Modeling The Atmosphere Of The Transiting Super-earth GJ 1214b 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 Modeling The Atmosphere Of The Transiting Super-earth GJ 1214b, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modeling The Atmosphere Of The Transiting Super-earth GJ 1214b will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1403794