Interpreting Exoplanet Atmospheres at the Onset of Next-Generation Telescopes

Abstract: One of NASA's primary goals is to observationally characterize exoplanet atmospheres, understand the chemical and physical processes of exoplanets and improve the understanding of the origins of exoplanetary systems. Throughout the next decade and beyond, JWST, WFIRST, and future mission concepts such as LUVOIR, HabEx, and OST will work towards achieving these goals by interpreting a diverse set of exoplanet atmosphere observations, ranging from hot gas giants to small temperate rocky worlds. Our understanding and interpretation of this full gamut of spectroscopy data will hinge on our ability to accurately link observations to theoretical models. Therefore, it is imperative that our theoretical models are equipped to tackle these problems. Leading up to this new era in exoplanetary space science, the main goal of my work has been to ensure that the community is equipped with the most robust, user-friendly, general, open-source, theoretical models needed to both plan and execute ground-breaking science. I will talk about the models and algorithms that I have developed to address these questions and plan for this next revolution in exoplanetary science.

Please note: Should you require any accommodations to ensure equal access and opportunity related to this event please contact Stacy Tiburzi at 734-764-3440 or stibu@umich.edu.

Tea will be served beforehand from 3:00-3:30pm in Serpens.