Exoplanet Diversity in the Era of Space-based Direct Imaging Missions

TL;DR

This whitepaper explores the potential diversity of exoplanets detectable by future space-based direct imaging missions, emphasizing the characterization of Earth-like planets and their atmospheres for comparative exoplanetology.

Contribution

It proposes a classification scheme based on atmospheric chemistry and planetary parameters to better understand exoplanet diversity in upcoming missions.

Findings

Potential to characterize Earth-like worlds around Sun-like stars.

Simultaneous observation of multiple planets in a system.

Atmospheric classification scheme based on chemical behavior.

Abstract

This whitepaper discusses the diversity of exoplanets that could be detected by future observations, so that comparative exoplanetology can be performed in the upcoming era of large space-based flagship missions. The primary focus will be on characterizing Earth-like worlds around Sun-like stars. However, we will also be able to characterize companion planets in the system simultaneously. This will not only provide a contextual picture with regards to our Solar system, but also presents a unique opportunity to observe size dependent planetary atmospheres at different orbital distances. We propose a preliminary scheme based on chemical behavior of gases and condensates in a planet's atmosphere that classifies them with respect to planetary radius and incident stellar flux.