Molecular Transformations and Spectroscopy for Understanding Extra-Terrestrial Atmospheres

A new era dawns in the exploration of planetary atmospheres. The James Webb Space Telescope  (JWST) having started to record high-resolution spectra of exoplanetary atmospheres. Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey (ARIEL) is soon to follow in 2029. Furthermore, new missions with orbiters and landing crafts are being launched within the next decade to study bodies in the solar system. Of particular interest to us is Venus with one active orbiter and four upcoming missions.

From our physical chemistry background we drive exploration of molecular level chemistry in atmospheres using computational chemistry (ab initio) methods and laboratory based spectroscopy. In this manner we can influence the scope of future missions and enable discovery of novel molecules, ultimately expanding our understanding of planetary atmospheres.

Here I show results from our work in uncovering novel chemical reactions and identifying spectral signatures, all of which can be directly implemented into atmospheric models. The Venusian atmosphere has rich and diverse chemistry, especially sulfur chemistry, and remains a great source of inspiration for our starting points. However, the impact of our results goes beyond Venus and into both the atmosphere of Jupiter's moon Io, and exoplanets such as LHS 475b, where SO₂ has been observed.

The presentation includes novel unpublished reactions with an assessment of how impactful these might be on Venus. Furthermore, I present perspectives on candidate molecules for matching the enigmatic UV absorption on Venus, demonstrating how some previously suggested candidates cannot match, and narrowing down the possible candidates.