A time-dependent radiative model for the atmosphere of the eccentric exoplanets

TL;DR

This paper introduces a time-dependent radiative model for eccentric exoplanet atmospheres, accounting for orbital eccentricity and rotation, to better understand their thermal structure and spectral features.

Contribution

It presents a novel model that incorporates both orbital eccentricity and pseudo-synchronous rotation effects in the atmospheric modeling of exoplanets.

Findings

Eccentricity significantly affects atmospheric thermal structure.

Rotation rate influences spectral characteristics.

Model helps identify planets suitable for Spitzer observations.

Abstract

We present a time-dependent radiative model for the atmosphere of extrasolar planets that takes into account the eccentricity of their orbit. In addition to the modulation of stellar irradiation by the varying planet-star distance, the pseudo-synchronous rotation of the planets may play a significant role. We include both of these time-dependent effects when modeling the planetary thermal structure. We investigate the thermal structure, and spectral characteristics for time-dependent stellar heating for two highly eccentric planets. Finally, we discuss observational aspects for those planets suitable for Spitzer measurements, and investigate the role of the rotation rate.