Exometeorology

Exometeorology is the study of atmospheric conditions of exoplanets and other celestial bodies outside the Solar System, such as brown dwarfs.[1][2] The diversity of possible sizes, compositions, and temperatures for exoplanets (and brown dwarfs) leads to a similar diversity of theorized atmospheric conditions. For example, a gas giant's orbital period can determine whether its wind patterns are primarily advective (heat and air flowing from the top of the star-heated atmosphere to the bottom) or convective (heat and air flowing from down near the gradually contracting planet's core up through the atmosphere).[3]

Artist's concept of Gliese 1214 b showing thick, orange clouds covering the planet's surface as its yellow star shines past its horizon (from the picture's perspective). Because there are such a wide variety of exoplanets, air and cloud colors, compositions, densities, and circulation patterns can vary greatly from exoplanet to exoplanet.
Artist's concept of Gliese 1214 b showing clouds covering the planet's surface. Because there are such a wide variety of exoplanets, air and cloud compositions and circulation patterns can vary greatly from exoplanet to exoplanet.

In 2012, an international team of astronomers from the Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris and the Institut de Planétologie et d'Astrophysique de Grenoble detected meteorological variations in the atmosphere of the exoplanet HD 189733 b using the Hubble Space Telescope. [2] In 2017, astronomers using a telescope at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile found an atmosphere on earth-sized exoplanet Gliese 1132 b.[4]

See Also

References
  1. Allers, Katelyn (2019-10-10). "Exometeorology: Determining atmospheric ..., Dr. K. Allers". Western Events Calendar. The University of Western Ontario. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  2. "Exoplanets subject to meteorological variations". ScienceDaily. Délégation Paris Michel-Ange. 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  3. Stevenson, David S. (2016). The Exo-Weather Report : Exploring Diverse Atmospheric Phenomena Around the Universe. Switzerland: Springer Cham. pp. 370–371. ISBN 978-3-319-25679-5. OCLC 957655924.
  4. Lewin, Sarah (2017-04-06). "Discovery! Atmosphere Spotted on Nearly Earth-Size Exoplanet in First". Space.com. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
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