Breaking degeneracies in exoplanetary parameters through self-consistent atmosphere-interior modelling

Abstract

Context: A new generation of instruments (e.g., JWST, ELTs, PLATO and Ariel) is providing atmospheric spectra and mass/radius measurements for large exoplanet populations, challenging planetary models used to interpret these findings. Aims: We develop a new model, the Heat Atmosphere Density Evolution Solver (HADES), by coupling an atmosphere and interior model self-consistently and comparing its results to observed data. Methods: Atmospheric calculations are performed under radiative-convective equilibrium, while the interior relies on recent ab initio equations of state. We ensure continuity in the thermal, gravity, and molecular mass profiles between models. Results: The model is applied to the known exoplanet database to characterize intrinsic thermal properties. We find that intrinsic temperatures (T${}_{int}$) of 200-400 K, increasing with equilibrium temperature, are needed to explain radius inflation in hot Jupiters. Additionally, we perform atmosphere-interior retrievals using observed spectra and measured parameters for WASP-39 b and 51 Eridani b. For WASP-39 b, spectroscopic data breaks degeneracies in metallicity and Tint, deriving high values: Z = 14.79${}_{-1.91}^{+1.80}$ x Solar and T${}_{int}=297.39_{-16.9}^{+8.95}$ K. For 51 Eridani b, we show the importance of using self-consistent models with radius as a constrained parameter, deriving a planet mass M${}_p=3.13_{-0.04}^{+0.05}$ M${}_J$ and a core mass M${}_{core}=31.86_{-0.18}^{+0.32}$ M${}_E$, suggesting formation via core accretion with a "hot start." Conclusions: Self-consistent atmosphere-interior models can efficiently break degeneracies in the structure of transiting and directly imaged exoplanets, offering new insights into exoplanet formation and evolution.

19 pages, 10 Figures + 2 Figures in appendix, Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics

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• Unraveling the origin of giant exoplanets: Observational implications of convective mixing
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