Exometeorology: Probing Extrasolar Atmospheres

Introduction

The exploration of worlds beyond our solar system aims to answer one of the most fundamental questions: Are We Alone in the Universe? Studying a diverse range of exoplanets is critical for investigating Earth-like exoplanets in the long term as we develop the tools, facilities, and techniques necessary for understanding their atmospheres in detail.

Advanced Telescopes

Advanced telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and 30-metre telescopes (e.g., the Extremely Large Telescope, ELT; first-light ~2028) will enable direct exoplanet studies. However, the interpretation of these results will hinge on a thorough understanding of their complex weather phenomena.

Exo-PEA Program

Exo-PEA is a transformational program that will utilize a novel combination of observational and computational data-driven techniques to reveal the physics of three critical weather phenomena in giant extrasolar worlds: clouds, winds, and aurorae.

Objective 1: Spatially-Resolved Investigations of Clouds

My team will perform the first spatially-resolved investigations of clouds in extrasolar worlds, revealing the longitudinal and latitudinal behavior of clouds. This objective will make use of data from JWST Cycle 2 PI Programs:

• #3548
• #3496
• #3486

Additionally, it will utilize Co-I Programs:

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Objective 2: Wind Speeds in Extrasolar Atmospheres

My team will pioneer the study of winds in imaged extrasolar atmospheres by measuring vertically-resolved winds in an extrasolar world for the first time. This will significantly increase the number of wind speed measurements that exist. This objective will make use of data from JWST Cycle 2 PI Programs:

• #3548
• #3496

Objective 3: Atmospheric Signatures of Aurorae

My team will characterize the effects of magnetically-driven aurorae on extrasolar atmospheres for the first time beyond the solar system. This objective will make use of data from JWST Cycle 2 PI Programs:

• #3548
• #3496