Exoplanet Atmosphere Measurements from Transmission Spectroscopy and other Planet-Star Combined Light Observations

TL;DR

This paper reviews techniques for characterizing exoplanet atmospheres through transmission spectroscopy and other combined light observations, discussing methods, practical considerations, and key scientific findings.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of observational techniques, practical considerations, and recent scientific results in exoplanet atmosphere characterization.

Findings

Major observational results on exoplanet chemistry

Insights into climate and cloud properties

Discussion of current and future observing facilities

Abstract

It is possible to learn a great deal about exoplanet atmospheres even when we cannot spatially resolve the planets from their host stars. In this chapter, we overview the basic techniques used to characterize transiting exoplanets - transmission spectroscopy, emission and reflection spectroscopy, and full-orbit phase curve observations. We discuss practical considerations, including current and future observing facilities and best practices for measuring precise spectra. We also highlight major observational results on the chemistry, climate, and cloud properties of exoplanets.