Exploring Synergies between Twinkle and Ariel: a Pilot Study

TL;DR

This pilot study explores how prior observations from Twinkle could enhance the target selection and observational strategies of Ariel for exoplanet atmospheric characterization, demonstrating potential synergies in a small sample.

Contribution

It shows that Twinkle can inform Ariel's target prioritization, highlighting potential scientific synergies for large-scale exoplanet atmosphere surveys.

Findings

Atmospheric parameters are well retrieved within 1-sigma for selected targets.

Ariel generally achieves tighter atmospheric constraints than Twinkle.

Synergies exist between Twinkle and Ariel for a subset of cool gaseous exoplanets.

Abstract

Launching in 2027 and 2029, respectively, Twinkle and Ariel will conduct the first large-scale homogeneous spectroscopic surveys of the atmospheres of hundreds of diverse exoplanets. This will fundamentally transition the field to an era of population-level characterisation. In this pilot study, we aim to explore possible synergies between Twinkle and Ariel to determine for instance whether prior Twinkle observations can substantially inform the target selection and observing strategy of Ariel. This study primarily aims to encourage further investigation by both consortium communities by showing what a potential scientific synergy would look like on a promising scientific case that requires further exploration. For this aim, we select a small subset of "cool" planets that are also particularly well-suited to be observed by Twinkle and therefore Ariel. By using representative noise estimates for both missions, we compute the number of visits required for an observation. Then, we simulate and retrieve transmission spectra of each target, assuming gaseous, H2/He-dominated atmospheres and various atmospheric models. For all candidates, we find that atmospheric parameters are generally retrieved well within 1-sigma to input values, with Ariel typically achieving tighter constraints. We demonstrate that for a small subset of cool gaseous planets, exploitable synergies exist between Twinkle and Ariel observations and Twinkle may very well provide a vantage point to plan Ariel observations. The true extent of the potential synergies, far beyond our considered sample, will be determined by the final target lists. Once Twinkle is operational and its performance is known, it could reliably inform Ariel's target prioritization and Ariel's capabilities which are already well-established can help define optimal targets and observational approaches for Twinkle.