Interpreting the Atmospheric Composition of Exoplanets: Sensitivity to Planet Formation Assumptions

• DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ac6a56
• Publication Date: 2022-07-26T17:02:33Z
• Authors: Paul Mollière; Tamara Molyarova; Bertram Bitsch; Thomas Henning; Aaron Schneider; Laura Kreidberg; Christian Eistrup; Remo Burn; Evert Nasedkin; Dmitry Semenov; Christoph Mordasini; Martin Schlecker; Kamber R. Schwarz; Sylvestre Lacour; Mathias Nowak; Matthäus Schulik
• Keywords: Atmospheric Composition

Constraining planet formation based on the atmospheric composition of exoplanets is a fundamental goal exoplanet community. Existing studies commonly try to constrain abundances, or analyze what abundance patterns given description predicts. However, there also pressing need develop methodologies that investigate how transform compositions into planetary inferences. In this study we summarize complexities and uncertainties state-of-the-art models they influence compositions. We introduce methodology explores effect different model assumptions when interpreting apply framework directly imaged HR 8799e. Based its composition, may have migrated significantly during formation. show including chemical evolution protoplanetary disk leads reduced for migration. Moreover, find pebble accretion can reproduce planet's but some our tested setups lead too low metallicities, even considering evaporating pebbles enrich gas. conclude definitive inversion from abundances be challenging, qualitative understanding effects possible, opening up pathways new investigations.