Spectroscopic characterisation of close orbiting extrasolar giant planets

Abstract

A number of successful mid-infrared detections and studies of close orbiting extrasolar giant planetary atmospheres have been responsible for both driving and informing modelling efforts. Recent models have indicated that these planets may be subdivided into two groups, one with cooler atmospheres exhibiting solely absorption features, and a second comprising the most highly irradiated atmospheres which possess a temperature inversion leading to emission features.To date, no firm detection of the direct spectrum of a close orbiting extrasolar giant planet or “Hot Jupiter” has been made at near infrared wavelengths. We present the current status of such ground based studies of the bright systems, HD 189733 b, HD 179949 b.