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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
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A first look at rocky exoplanets with JWST
Laura Kreidberg1, Kevin B Stevenson2,3
1Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg 69117, Germany.
Summary
Detecting atmospheres on rocky exoplanets with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is challenging. While JWST has achieved unprecedented precision, definitive atmospheric detections remain elusive, prompting a need for higher-quality data.
Area of Science:
- Exoplanetary science
- Atmospheric characterization
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Rocky exoplanet characterization is a key early science goal for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
- JWST has achieved milestones in rocky planet transmission spectra and thermal emission measurements.
- Despite advances, definitive atmospheric detections on rocky exoplanets are still pending.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current status of rocky exoplanet atmosphere detection using JWST data.
- To identify challenges and suggest future directions for detecting exoplanet atmospheres.
- To motivate further JWST observations and data analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of transmission spectra for molecular absorption features.
- Interpretation of thermal emission spectra to infer surface conditions.
- Comparison of observational data with atmospheric models.
Main Results:
- Most precise rocky planet transmission spectra obtained.
- First detection of thermal emission for rocky worlds below 800 K.
- Tentative molecular absorption features observed, but with marginal significance and potential stellar contamination.
- Hot daysides observed, consistent with bare rock or low-pressure atmospheres (<10 bar).
- High surface pressures and abundant CO2 generally ruled out in cloud-free models.
Conclusions:
- Detecting rocky exoplanet atmospheres remains a significant challenge.
- Current data suggest limited volatile inventories or atmospheric escape.
- Future observations should target cooler planets and aim for higher precision, such as the proposed 'five scale height challenge' for CO2 detection.
- Continued JWST investment is crucial for future atmospheric detections.
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