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arXiv · 1303.3280

Detection of Carbon Monoxide and Water Absorption Lines in an Exoplanet Atmosphere

Quinn M. Konopacky·Travis S. Barman·Bruce A. Macintosh·Christian Marois
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Abstract

Determining the atmospheric structure and chemical composition of an exoplanet remains a formidable goal. Fortunately, advancements in the study of exoplanets and their atmospheres have come in the form of direct imaging - spatially resolving the planet from its parent star - which enables high-resolution spectroscopy of self-luminous planets in Jovian-like orbits. Here, we present a spectrum with numerous, well-resolved, molecular lines from both water and carbon monoxide from a massive planet orbiting less than 40 AU from the star HR 8799. These data reveal the planet's chemical composition, atmospheric structure, and surface gravity, confirming that it is indeed a young planet. The spectral lines suggest an atmospheric carbon-to-oxygn ratio greater than the host star's, providing hints about the planet's formation.

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Quinn M. Konopacky, Travis S. Barman, Bruce A. Macintosh, Christian Marois. 2013-03-13. Detection of Carbon Monoxide and Water Absorption Lines in an Exoplanet Atmosphere. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1232003

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