exoZoo · High definition and time-resolved studies of exoplanet atmospheres: a new window on the extreme diversity of the exoplanet zoo

The ongoing search for a second Earth has revealed an astounding diversity in the population of planets orbiting other stars. This eclectic zoo of other worlds shows little similarity with our own solar system. The key to understanding this diversity lies in exoplanet atmospheres, which hold vital information on their formation histories and evolutionary pathways. To access them, I propose three ambitious new windows into exoplanet characterization that will: i) Deliver the largest homogenous study of exoplanet atmospheres at high spectral resolution, and provide a novel framework that combines multi-resolution data to deliver precise atmospheric measurements. This will place unprecedented constraints on the physical causes of exoplanet diversity and is a game changer in understanding their origins. ii) Perform the first robust study of the reflective properties of exoplanet atmospheres at high spectral resolution, constraining their evolution and demonstrating how to interpret, and crucially, optimise high-resolution observations for the upcoming biomarker hunt with the extremely large telescopes. This may be our only way to characterize the nearest habitable worlds. iii) Pioneer an innovative photometric monitoring technique for exoplanet atmospheres and use it to measure their rotation, detect giant storms, and hunt for occulting moons to begin surveying their demographics. The achievement of these three main objectives will be a ground-breaking step forward in our understanding of exoplanets and Earth’s place amongst them, bringing us ever closer to answering the question: are we alone?