Transmission spectroscopy of exoplanets XO-1 b and XO-2 b observed with HST NICMOS
2012-11-29
00:00
Bellaterra (C5/030)
The characterization of atmospheres is one of the greatest challenges in the field of exoplanets. A very powerful tool is spectroscopy during planetary transits.
Indeed, molecular absorption in the atmosphere causes the planetary radius to vary with wavelength: the planet appears larger at wavelengths at which its atmosphere is more opaque. As a result, we can detect molecules in the planet's atmosphere. Only a few exoplanets have been spectroscopically characterized to date, with controversial …