3D Global climate model of an exo-Venus: a modern Venus-like atmosphere for the nearby super-Earth LP 890-9 c

DOI: 
10.1093/mnrasl/slad045
Publication date: 
31/07/2023
Main author: 
Quirino, Diogo
IAA authors: 
Gilli, Gabriella;González-Galindo, Francisco
Authors: 
Quirino, Diogo;Gilli, Gabriella;Kaltenegger, Lisa;Navarro, Thomas;Fauchez, Thomas J.;Turbet, Martin;Leconte, Jérémy;Lebonnois, Sébastien;González-Galindo, Francisco
Journal: 
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
523
Pages: 
L86
Abstract: 
The recently discovered super-Earth LP 890-9 c is an intriguing target for atmospheric studies as it transits a nearby, low-activity late-type M-dwarf star at the inner edge of the Habitable Zone. Its position at the runaway greenhouse limit makes it a natural laboratory to study the climate evolution of hot rocky planets. We present the first 3D-Global Climate Model exo-Venus model for a modern Venus-like atmosphere (92 bar surface pressure, realistic composition, and H<SUB>2</SUB>SO<SUB>4</SUB> radiatively-active clouds), applied to the tidally-locked LP 890-9 c to inform observations by JWST and future instruments. If LP 890-9 c has developed into a modern exo-Venus, then the modelled temperatures suggest that H<SUB>2</SUB>SO<SUB>4</SUB> clouds are possible even in the substellar region. Like on modern Venus, clouds on LP 890-9 c would create a flat spectrum. The strongest CO<SUB>2</SUB> bands in transmission predicted by our model for LP 890-9 c are about 10 ppm, challenging detection, given JWST estimated noise floor. Estimated phase curve amplitudes are 0.9 and 2.4 ppm for continuum and CO<SUB>2</SUB> bands, respectively. While pointing out the challenge to characterise modern exo-Venus analogues, these results provide new insights for JWST proposals and highlight the influence of clouds in the spectrum of hot rocky exoplanet spectra.
Database: 
ADS
URL: 
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/#abs/2023MNRAS.523L..86Q/abstract
ADS Bibcode: 
2023MNRAS.523L..86Q
Keywords: 
planets and satellites: atmospheres;planets and satellites: terrestrial planets;planets and satellites: individual: LP 890-9 c