DOE OSTI · 1811778
Pandora Thermal Subsystem Systems Engineering Class Project
Abstract
Thousands of planets orbiting stars outside our solar system have been discovered, revealing an incredible diversity of planetary systems. One of the key questions in astrophysics is whether any of these distant worlds have atmospheres that could potentially support life. The presence of life can significantly alter the makeup of our atmosphere (as on Earth), leaving unique spectral fingerprints that can be detected via remote sensing. Life outside of our solar system may leave detectable traces in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. Exoplanet transmission spectroscopy is a proven technique to probe the atmospheres of exoplanets that cross in front of—or transit—their star. During a transit, starlight filters through the planet’s atmosphere and that spectrum can reveal the atmosphere’s chemical makeup.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Rittmuller, P. A., Noland, J. D.. 2021-06-10. Pandora Thermal Subsystem Systems Engineering Class Project. https://doi.org/10.2172/1811778
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.