A consistent retrieval analysis of 10 hot Jupiters observed in transmission
Barstow, JK; Aigrain, S; Irwin, PGJ; et al.Sing, DK
Date: 1 January 2017
Journal
Astrophysical Journal
Publisher
American Astronomical Society / IOP Publishing
Publisher DOI
Abstract
We present a consistent optimal estimation retrieval analysis of 10 hot Jupiter exoplanets, each with transmission
spectral data spanning the visible to near-infrared wavelength range. Using the NEMESIS radiative transfer and
retrieval tool, we calculate a range of possible atmospheric states for WASP-6b, WASP-12b, WASP-17b, WASP-
19b, ...
We present a consistent optimal estimation retrieval analysis of 10 hot Jupiter exoplanets, each with transmission
spectral data spanning the visible to near-infrared wavelength range. Using the NEMESIS radiative transfer and
retrieval tool, we calculate a range of possible atmospheric states for WASP-6b, WASP-12b, WASP-17b, WASP-
19b, WASP-31b, WASP-39b, HD 189733b, HD 209458b, HAT-P-1b, and HAT-P-12b. We find that the spectra of
all 10 planets are consistent with the presence of some atmospheric aerosol; WASP-6b, WASP-12b, WASP-17b,
WASP-19b, HD 189733b, and HAT-P-12b are all fit best by Rayleigh scattering aerosols, whereas WASP-31b,
WASP-39b and HD 209458b are better represented by a gray cloud model. HAT-P-1b has solutions that fall into
both categories. WASP-6b, HAT-P-12b, HD 189733b, and WASP-12b must have aerosol extending to low
atmospheric pressures (below 0.1 mbar). In general, planets with equilibrium temperatures between 1300 and
1700 K are best represented by deeper, gray cloud layers, whereas cooler or hotter planets are better fit using high
Rayleigh scattering aerosol. We find little evidence for the presence of molecular absorbers other than H2O.
Retrieval methods can provide a consistent picture across a range of hot Jupiter atmospheres with existing data, and
will be a powerful tool for the interpretation of James Webb Space Telescope observations
Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
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