| Name: | Hardik Medhi |
| Affiliation: | Fergusson College |
| Conference ID : | ASI2024_865 |
| Title : | Feasibility study of HRS for Exoplanet Atmospheres |
| Authors : | Hardik Medhi1, Joe P Ninan2, Liton Majumdar3 |
| Authors Affiliation: | 1, Hardik Medhi, Fergusson College, Pune
2, Joe P Ninan, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
3. Liton Majumdar, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar |
| Mode of Presentation: | Poster |
| Abstract Category : | Sun, Solar System, Exoplanets, and Astrobiology |
| Abstract : | The transmission spectra of exoplanets present a unique opportunity for studying their atmospheres and, consequently, gaining insights into their internal structures, formation history, and even search for potential bio-signatures. The evolving capabilities of spectrographs as well as atmosphere models have led to improved spectral resolution, allowing for higher level precision for identification of spectral lines associated with various chemical species. Currently all high resolution astronomy spectrographs are on the surface of the Earth. However, ground-based spectrographs encounter limitations imposed by Earth’s atmosphere. For instance, it is difficult to study molecular transitions due to telluric contamination. It also necessitates a large size for instruments due to atmospheric turbulence. Sending a high resolution spectrograph along with a telescope to outer space is orders of magnitude more expensive, and hence cannot be justified without a proper analysis of the merits and demerits. This study seeks to assess the feasibility of deploying such a high-resolution spectrograph beyond Earth’s atmosphere to circumvent the challenges. We conduct simulations of transmission spectra using POSEIDON for diverse planets, each characterised by distinct mixing ratios of atmospheric constituents, at varying levels of spectral resolution. The extracted information from these spectra is systematically compared, facilitating the development of a framework for defining the requirements of a high-resolution spectrograph situated outside the Earth’s atmosphere. This study will provide insights into what resolution and wavelength regions one should optimally focus for each science question the community is asking, the most important of them being whether a high altitude balloon based system will suffice to meet the science goals. |
