From Global Climate Models (GCMs) to Exoplanet Spectra with the Global Emission Spectra (GlobES)

TL;DR

This paper introduces GlobES, a module within PSG that uses 3D climate models to simulate exoplanet spectra, aiding observational strategies for upcoming telescopes like JWST.

Contribution

The paper presents GlobES, a new tool integrating 3D atmospheric data into spectral simulations for exoplanets, enhancing realism and accessibility for researchers.

Findings

GlobES effectively simulates transit, emission, and reflected spectra.

Case studies demonstrate its application to TRAPPIST-1 planets and Earth.

Supports planning for JWST and future exoplanet missions.

Abstract

In the quest to understand the climates and atmospheres of exoplanets, 3D global climate models (GCMs) have become indispensable. The ability of GCMs to predict atmospheric conditions complements exoplanet observations, creating a feedback loop that enhances our understanding of exoplanetary atmospheres and their environments. This paper discusses the capabilities of the Global Exoplanet Spectra (GlobES) module of the Planetary Spectrum Generator (PSG), which incorporates 3D atmospheric and surface information into spectral simulations, offering a free, accessible tool for the scientific community to study realistic planetary atmospheres. Through detailed case studies, including simulations of TRAPPIST1 b, TRAPPIST-1 e, and Earth around Sun, this paper demonstrates the use of GlobES and its effectiveness in simulating transit, emission and reflected spectra, thus supporting the ongoing development and refinement of observational strategies using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and future mission concept studies (e.g., Habitable Worlds Observatory [HWO]) in exoplanet research.