The Air Over There: Exploring Exoplanet Atmospheres

The atmospheric composition for a rocky exoplanet will depend strongly on the planet's bulk composition and orbital position. Nontraditional gases may be present in the atmospheres of exceptionally hot planets. Atmospheres of more clement planets will depend on the abundance of volatiles acquired during planet formation and atmospheric removal processes, including escape, condensation, and reaction with the surface. To date, observations of exoplanet atmospheres have focused on giant planets, but future space-and ground-based observatories will revolutionize the precision and spectral resolution with which we can probe an exoplanet's atmosphere. This article consolidates lessons learned from the study of giant planet atmospheres, and points to the observations and challenges on the horizon for terrestrial planets.

Automated summary

The atmospheric composition of rocky exoplanets is influenced by their bulk composition and orbital position. While hot planets may have nontraditional gases, clement planets depend on volatile richness acquired during planet formation. Future observatories will enhance precision in probing exoplanet atmospheres, presenting new challenges for terrestrial planet observations.