MOPSS. I. Flat Optical Spectra for the Hot Jupiters WASP-4 b and WASP-52b
Abstract
We present the first results from MOPSS, The Michigan Optical Planetary Spectra Survey, aimed at creating a database of optical planetary transmission spectra all observed, reduced, and analyzed with a uniform method for the benefit of enabling comparative exoplanet studies. We discuss our methods, and present results for our first two targets observed with the Magellan Baade 6.5 m telescope, one transit of the Hot Jupiter WASP-4b and two transits of the Hot Saturn WASP-52b. Both targets present flat, featureless spectra, corresponding to the presence of aerosols. We find that the cloud decks must begin no lower than 10-4 bar for both planets. For WASP-52b, we also consider the effects of star spots on the transmission spectrum, including unocculted spots and spots on the stellar limb influencing the light curve limb-darkening parameters. We discuss the usefulness of this program in the coming James Webb Space Telescope era.
- Publication:
-
The Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- September 2018
- DOI:
- 10.3847/1538-3881/aad4a8
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1807.06561
- Bibcode:
- 2018AJ....156..122M
- Keywords:
-
- planets and satellites: atmospheres;
- planets and satellites: composition;
- planets and satellites: gaseous planets;
- planets and satellites: individual: WASP-52b;
- WASP-4b;
- starspots;
- Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 21 pages, 16 figures, 4 tables. Accepted for publication in AJ