Hazes and Exoplanetary Atmospheres in the Lab

Abstract:

Exoplanetary atmospheres span a much broader range of temperature and composition than solar system atmospheres. This presents challenges when applying what we have learned about atmospheric chemistry and aerosols from the solar system to the increasingly large number of exoplanets. To help bridge the gap, we have conducted a series of exoplanet atmosphere laboratory simulation experiments to explore temperatures and compositions not seen in the present day solar system. We will summarize what we have learned through these experiments about particle production rates, compositions and gas phase chemistry.