# Laboratory spectra of hot molecules: data needs for hot super-Earth exoplanets

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the spectroscopic data needs for modeling hot super-Earth exoplanet atmospheres, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive molecular line lists for accurate atmospheric characterization.

## Contribution

It discusses the current status and challenges of generating spectroscopic data for hot rocky exoplanets within the ExoMol project framework.

## Key findings

- Molecular spectroscopy of hot rocky exoplanets differs significantly from cooler objects.
- Current spectroscopic data are incomplete for modeling hot super-Earth atmospheres.
- Quantum-mechanical methods face challenges in producing comprehensive linelists.

## Abstract

The majority of stars are now thought to support exoplanets. Many of those exoplanets discovered thus far are categorized as rocky objects with an atmosphere. Most of these objects are however hot due to their short orbital period. Models suggest that water is the dominant species in their atmospheres. The hot temperatures are expected to turn these atmospheres into a (high pressure) steam bath containing remains of melted rock. The spectroscopy of these hot rocky objects will be very different from that of cooler objects or hot gas giants. Molecules suggested to be important for the spectroscopy of these objects are reviewed together with the current status of the corresponding spectroscopic data. Perspectives of building a comprehensive database of linelist/cross sections applicable for atmospheric models of rocky super-Earths as part of the ExoMol project are discussed. The quantum-mechanical approaches used in linelist productions and their challenges are summarized.