From Surface to Spectra: Characterizing TRAPPIST-1e’s Atmosphere and Climate

The study of exoplanets has advanced significantly since the discovery of the first exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star in 1995, with over 5,800 exoplanets identified to date. This research focuses on TRAPPIST-1e, one of seven rocky planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system discovered using the transit method. TRAPPIST-1e is of particular interest due to its position within the habitable zone, where liquid water could exist, and its Earth-like characteristics, such as similar mass, radius, and surface gravity.

The tidally locked nature of TRAPPIST-1e presents unique atmospheric and climatic dynamics, significantly different from Earth's, making it an excellent candidate for theoretical and observational studies. This research employs the NASA developped ROCKE-3D Global Circulation Model to simulate various atmospheric scenarios, ranging from Venus-like conditions to aquaplanets with varying ocean depths and nitrogen-carbon dioxide compositions. Synthetic transmission spectra and climate data are generated to explore these scenarios, providing insights into potential habitability and atmospheric behavior.

Given the current limitations in observational technology, simulations play a vital role in understanding TRAPPIST-1e’s atmosphere. Using specifications from instruments such as ELT ANDES, VLT CRIRES+, and JWST MIRI, the project evaluates the spectral resolution required to extract meaningful atmospheric features. These findings aim to bridge gaps in exoplanetary atmospheric studies and prepare for future missions, contributing to our understanding of the diversity of worlds beyond our Solar System.