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SUMMARY:Chemical Characterization of Extrasolar Super-Earths - Nikku Madhu
 sudhan (IoA)
DTSTART:20140226T163000Z
DTEND:20140226T173000Z
UID:TALK50618@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Dr B.-O. Demory
DESCRIPTION:Recent advances in exoplanetary science are leading to unprece
 dented observations of super-Earths. The observed masses\, radii\, and tem
 peratures of super-Earths provide constraints on their interior structures
 \, geophysical conditions\, as well as their atmospheric compositions. Som
 e of the most recently detected super-Earths span a wide gamut of possible
  compositions\, from super-Mercuries and lava planets to water worlds and 
 carbon planets. In this talk\, I will discuss joint constraints on the int
 erior and atmospheric compositions of super-Earths and their formation env
 ironments using hybrid models of their interiors\, non-gray atmospheres\, 
 and formation conditions. I will also present a systematic set of strategi
 es to identify and observe potentially water-rich super-Earths that provid
 e the best prospects for characterizing their atmospheres. In this regard\
 , firstly\, I will discuss some important factors that need to be taken in
 to account while planning and interpreting observations of super-Earth rad
 ii and spectra. I will discuss how observations in different spectral band
 passes constrain different atmospheric properties of a super-Earth\, inclu
 ding radius and temperature of the planetary surface as well as the mean m
 olecular mass\, the chemical composition and thermal profile of the atmosp
 here. Secondly\, I will discuss the detectability of H2O-rich super-Earth 
 atmospheres as a function of the planetary properties and stellar brightne
 ss. The implications of super-Earth compositions on the diversity of their
  geochemical and geophysical processes will also be presented. I will conc
 lude with comments on new observational\, theoretical\, and experimental e
 fforts that are required for detailed characterization of super-Earths.
LOCATION:Martin Ryle Seminar Room\, Kavli Institute
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