Searching for H₃⁺ in the Atmosphere of the Exoplanet HD 209458b

Author

Matthew Troutman, Clemson UniversityFollow

Date of Award

5-2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Legacy Department

Physics

Committee Chair/Advisor

Brittain, Sean

Abstract

This thesis searches or the H₃⁺ molecule in the atmosphere of HD 209458b. This exoplanet has been well studied since its initial discovery. H₃⁺ is a diagnostic of the thermal regulation in the ionosphere of the exoplanet, and therefore is an advantageous molecule to test both atmospheric models and observational limits. Both models and observational limits need to be constrained as steps towards the ultimate goal of detecting biomarkers in the atmospheres of exoplanets. The exoplanet HD 209458b was observed during transit using PHOENIX on Gemini South in 2005.

Recommended Citation

Troutman, Matthew, "Searching for H₃⁺ in the Atmosphere of the Exoplanet HD 209458b" (2007). All Theses. 114.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/114