研究目的
To measure and analyze the atmospheric transmission spectrum of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-121b using Hubble Space Telescope data to understand its opacity sources, chemical composition, and thermal properties.
研究成果
The transmission spectrum of WASP-121b shows significant opacity variations, with evidence for VO absorption and a steep rise at short wavelengths likely due to a non-equilibrium absorber like SH. The atmosphere is best matched by cloud-free models with 10–30× solar metallicity and a limb temperature of ~1500 K. The NUV absorber plays a crucial role in atmospheric heating, influencing the energy budget and circulation. Future observations are needed to confirm the absorbers and refine models.
研究不足
The study is limited by the spectral resolution and wavelength coverage of HST/STIS and WFC3. Assumptions include isothermal pressure-temperature profiles and chemical equilibrium in forward models, which may not fully capture atmospheric complexities. The identity of the NUV absorber (e.g., SH) remains uncertain due to cross-section uncertainties and low spectral resolution. Potential unaccounted systematics or stellar activity effects could bias results. The bump at 1.15–1.3 mm wavelength is not satisfactorily explained and requires further observations.
1:Experimental Design and Method Selection:
Used the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) to observe three primary transits of WASP-121b. Data reduction involved bias, dark, and flat correction using the CALSTIS pipeline, cosmic-ray removal, and spectral extraction with IRAF procedures. Light curve analysis employed Gaussian process (GP) modeling with a squared-exponential kernel to account for systematics, and transit modeling using Mandel & Agol (2002) models with linear baseline trends.
2:1b. Data reduction involved bias, dark, and flat correction using the CALSTIS pipeline, cosmic-ray removal, and spectral extraction with IRAF procedures. Light curve analysis employed Gaussian process (GP) modeling with a squared-exponential kernel to account for systematics, and transit modeling using Mandel & Agol (2002) models with linear baseline trends. Sample Selection and Data Sources:
2. Sample Selection and Data Sources: Observed WASP-121b, an ultra-hot Jupiter with specific properties (mass ~
3:18 MJ, radius ~7 RJ, equilibrium temperature >2400 K). Data from HST/STIS (G430L and G750L gratings) and previously published HST/WFC3 (G141 grism) data were used. List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
Hubble Space Telescope (HST), Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) with G430L and G750L gratings, Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) with G141 grism, calibration frames for data reduction, IRAF software for spectral extraction.
4:Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
Conducted observations over multiple HST orbits, extracted spectra, constructed white and spectroscopic light curves, performed GP and MCMC analyses to fit transit models and systematics, and derived transmission spectra.
5:Data Analysis Methods:
Used af?ne-invariant Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) via the emcee Python package for parameter estimation, compared with forward models (ATMO code) and free-chemistry retrievals to interpret atmospheric properties.
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