James Webb Space Telescope Feed Post

Arxiv: Transiting Exoplanet Atmospheres in the Era of JWST Published: 4/23/2024 9:19:37 PM Updated: 4/23/2024 9:19:37 PM

Paper abstract: The field of exoplanet atmospheric characterization has recently madeconsiderable advances with the advent of high-resolution spectroscopy fromlarge ground-based telescopes and the commissioning of the James Webb SpaceTelescope (JWST). We have entered an era in which atmospheric compositions,aerosol properties, thermal structures, mass loss, and three-dimensionaleffects can be reliably constrained. While the challenges of remote sensingtechniques imply that individual exoplanet atmospheres will likely never becharacterized to the degree of detail that is possible for solar system bodies,exoplanets present an exciting opportunity to characterize a diverse array ofworlds with properties that are not represented in our solar system. Thisreview article summarizes the current state of exoplanet atmospheric studiesfor transiting planets. We focus on how observational results inform ourunderstanding of exoplanet properties and ultimately address broad questionsabout planetary formation, evolution, and diversity. This review is meant toprovide an overview of the exoplanet atmospheres field for planetary- andgeo-scientists without astronomy backgrounds, and exoplanet specialists, alike.We give special attention to the first year of JWST data and recent results inhigh-resolution spectroscopy that have not been summarized by previous reviewarticles.