[Baps] J. Fortney Talk, CfA, Mon 12:30 pm, "New Views of the Atmospheres and Interiors of Hot Jupiters"

[Sarah T. Stewart-Mukhopadhyay]

DATE: MONDAY, September 19
TIME: 12:30 pm
ROOM: Pratt Conference Room, Center for Astrophysics
SPEAKER: Dr. Jonathan J. Fortney (NASA Ames Research Center)

"New Views of the Atmospheres and Interiors of Hot Jupiters"

Abstract

Astronomers have now determined the masses and radii of 8 transiting
extrasolar planets.  Two of these planets, HD 209458b and TrES-1, have had
their thermal emission detected with the Spitzer Space Telescope.
I will discuss our recent modeling efforts to understand the atmospheres of
these two transiting planets in light of these observations.  The newest
transiting planet, HD 149026b, may be the strangest yet found.  While it is
more massive than Saturn, its small radius means it is composed of 60% heavy
elements by mass.  I will discuss evolutionary models of this planet and
compare them to those of other transiting planets.  This planet, which
receives twice the stellar irradiation of HD 209458b, likely has a hot
stratosphere driven by absorption by gaseous TiO and VO.  Thermal emission
from HD 149026b may also be detectable with Spitzer.

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