Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jul 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009hst..prop12251b&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #12251. Cycle 18
Computer Science
Scientific paper
Our team recently discovered the first transiting super-Earth exoplanet whose atmosphere can be studied with HST. GJ1214b is a 2.7 Earth radius, 6.6 Earth mass exoplanet that transits a low-mass M dwarf located a mere 13 pc away. With only a mass and radius known, structural models show that GJ1214b may either have an extended H-rich envelope or consist of a body that is mostly water, surrounded by a thin, H-poor atmosphere. We propose to observe the planet in transit with WFC3 IR's G141 grism and NICMOS' G206 grism to measure its transmission spectrum between 1.1 and 2.5 microns. Our primary science goal is to determine the super-Earth's atmospheric scale height, thus distinguishing between its possible bulk compositions. These data shall also constrain the relative methane and water abundances on GJ1214b. The summed light curve will permit a search for transiting moons around GJ1214b the size of Ganymede, and potentially as small as the Moon. Among the presently known transiting exoplanets, GJ1214b is the smallest, coolest, most Earth-like planet that has a substantial atmosphere. Fortunately, the small radius of the star means studying GJ1214b's atmosphere requires no better precision than has already been demonstrated by HST observations of transiting hot Jupiters.;
No associations
LandOfFree
The First Characterization of a Super-Earth Atmosphere 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 The First Characterization of a Super-Earth Atmosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The First Characterization of a Super-Earth Atmosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1786025