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Optical transmission spectroscopy of hot Jupiter atmospheres
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Kirk, James (2018) Optical transmission spectroscopy of hot Jupiter atmospheres. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
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WRAP_Theses_Kirk_2018.pdf - Submitted Version - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (19Mb) | Preview |
Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b3252931~S15
Abstract
The field of exoplanet atmospheres has advanced rapidly in the 16 years since the detection of sodium in the atmosphere of HD209458b. Giant planets on short period orbits (`hot Jupiters') have been key to this progression, due to their relatively characterisable atmospheres. Optical transmission spectroscopy revealed the first detection of an exoplanet atmosphere and has continued to play a vital role in atmospheric characterisation. In this thesis I present optical transmission spectroscopy of three hot Jupiters and place these in context within the LRG-BEASTS transmission spectroscopy survey.
My ground-based transmission spectrum of WASP-52b revealed the presence of clouds in the planet's atmosphere and evidence for stellar faculae on the host. This study demonstrated that HST precision could be achieved from the ground.
I also present ground-based transmission spectroscopy of HAT-P-18b. My precise transmission spectrum was well fitted with a Rayleigh scattering slope at the equilibrium temperature of the planet. The absence of broad sodium and potassium absorption led me to conclude that a high altitude haze was present.
Finally I present a transmission spectrum of WASP-80b. I found that a haze was likely present in this planet's atmosphere and my transmission spectrum was inconsistent with a previously claimed detection of pressure-broadened potassium.
My results are in agreement with the emerging correlation that cooler planets are less likely to have clear atmospheres. However, this correlation is still tentative. The LRG-BEASTS survey will test this relation and help improve our understanding of the underlying physics driving the formation of clouds and hazes in exoplanet atmospheres.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
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Subjects: | Q Science > QB Astronomy | ||||
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Extrasolar planets -- Atmospheres, Extrasolar planets -- Detection, Astronomical spectroscopy, Astronomical photometry, Atmospheric radiation | ||||
Official Date: | April 2018 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | Department of Physics | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | Wheatley, Peter J. | ||||
Format of File: | |||||
Extent: | xiii, 204 leaves : illustrations, charts | ||||
Language: | eng |
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