The Atmospheres of Extrasolar Planets

TL;DR

This paper reviews key theoretical concepts and processes crucial for understanding the atmospheres of extrasolar planets, emphasizing the limited current data and the importance of careful interpretation of observational results.

Contribution

It highlights the significance of atmospheric structure, dynamics, cloud processes, and photochemistry in exoplanet atmospheres, providing a theoretical framework for future research.

Findings

Influences on albedos, spectra, and colors of exoplanets are discussed.

Caution is advised in interpreting exoplanet colors due to limited data.

Theoretical concepts are emphasized over extensive data analysis.

Abstract

The characteristics of irradiated solar system planetary atmospheres have been studied for decades, consequently modern planetary science benefits from an exhaustive body of ground- and space-based data. The study of extrasolar planetary atmospheres, by contrast, is still in its infancy and currently rests on a few score of datapoints, mostly of the transiting planets. This short survey aims not to review this dynamic field but rather stresses the importance of a few theoretical concepts and processes for our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres. Topics covered include atmospheric structure and dynamics, cloud processes and photochemistry of planetary atmospheres. Influences on the albedos, spectra, and colors of extrasolar planets are reviewed and caution is urged in the interpretation of exoplanet colors.