The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Lego Figure holding a lego telescope. Photo

Jens Hoeijmakers

ASSOCIATE SENIOR LECTURER

Lego Figure holding a lego telescope. Photo

The Mantis Network II: examining the 3D high-resolution observable properties of the UHJs WASP-121b and WASP-189b through GCM modelling

Author

  • Elspeth K. H. Lee
  • Bibiana Prinoth
  • Daniel Kitzmann
  • Shang-Min Tsai
  • Jens Hoeijmakers
  • Nicholas W. Borsato
  • Kevin Heng

Summary, in English

The atmospheres of ultra hot Jupiters (UHJs) are prime targets for the detection of molecules and atoms at both low and high spectral resolution. We study the atmospheres of the UHJs WASP-121b and WASP-189b by performing 3D general circulation models (GCMs) of these planets using high temperature correlated-k opacity schemes with ultra-violet (UV) absorbing species included. The GCM results are then post-processed at low and high spectral resolutions and compared to available data. The high resolution results are cross-correlated with molecular and atomic templates to produce mock molecular detections. Our GCM models produce similar temperature-pressure (T-p) structure trends to previous 1D radiative-convective equilibrium models of UHJs. Furthermore, the inclusion of UV opacities greatly shapes the thermal and dynamical properties of the high-altitude, low-pressure regions of the UHJ atmospheres, with sharp T-p inversions due to the absorption of UV light. This suggests that optical wavelength, high-resolution observations probe a dynamically distinct upper atmospheric region, rather than the deeper jet forming layers.

Department/s

  • Lund Observatory - Undergoing reorganization

Publishing year

2022-11

Language

English

Pages

240-256

Publication/Series

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Volume

517

Issue

1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Topic

  • Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

Keywords

  • Radiative transfer
  • Planets and satellites: atmospheres
  • Planets and satellites: individual: WASP-121b
  • Planets and satellites: individual: WASP-189b

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1365-2966