The ExoPlanet Spectral Slope Survey (EPOSSS)

• Applicant: Dr. Matthias Mallonn
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: Funded in 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 395225030

Most of the exoplanetary atmosphere studies conducted so far show clear evidences for clouds/hazes in their atmospheres. These particles weaken any spectral feature in the optical to near-IR wavelength region. The only remaining spectral feature in low spectral resolution is an increase in opacity toward short wavelength caused by Mie or Rayleigh scattering of the solid particles/aerosols. The optical slope allows for conclusions on the particle size of the clouds/hazes. With the ExoPlanet Optical Spectral Slope Survey (EPOSSS) we aim to measure the optical spectral slope homogeneously for a large sample of exoplanets and relate the particle size in the planetary atmosphere to planetary and stellar physical parameters to learn about exoplanet cloud formation in general.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants