Science with an ngVLA: Observing the Effects of Chemistry on Exoplanets and Planet Formation

TL;DR

This paper discusses how a next-generation radio interferometer like the ngVLA can advance our understanding of exoplanet chemistry and formation by enabling detailed observations of elemental ratios and chemical processes.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of combining astrochemistry insights with advanced radio observations to study planet formation and chemical evolution.

Findings

Emphasizes the role of elemental ratios like C/O in understanding planetary history.

Proposes the ngVLA as a crucial tool for in situ testing of chemical models.

Stresses the need for high-resolution observations to locate forming planets.

Abstract

One of the primary mechanisms for inferring the dynamical history of planets in our Solar System and in exoplanetary systems is through observation of elemental ratios (i.e. C/O). The ability to effectively use these observations relies critically on a robust understanding of the chemistry and evolutionary history of the observed abundances. Significant efforts have been devoted to this area from within astrochemistry circles, and these efforts should be supported going forward by the larger exoplanetary science community. In addition, the construction of a next-generation radio interferometer will be required to test many of these predictive models in situ, while simultaneously providing the resolution necessary to pinpoint the location of planets in formation.