Next-Generation of Interior models of (Exo)planets:Studying the interior structure of giant planets and its effect on their evolution, atmospheres and observations

Introduction

The prevalence of metals in exoplanet atmospheres is considered an important tracer of the formation of gas giants. However, the current theoretical framework is founded on the critical assumption that such planets are composed of a core surrounded by a homogeneous and well-mixed envelope. Recent data from Cassini and Juno show differently, resulting in a paradigm shift in the interiors of Jupiter and Saturn.

New Insights

Jupiter's envelope is now shown to be non-homogeneous, leading to new pathways for studying the interactions between giant planet interiors and their atmospheric constituents. This new knowledge desperately needs to be incorporated into exoplanet studies. This is the aim of N-GINE.

Current Opportunities

We are in a unique time for this study. We have extraordinary data to study the giants in the solar system, and the JWST will provide exceptional data on exoplanets’ atmospheres. Now is the time to gather the stunning amount of exoplanet data and the detailed insights supplied by our solar system to achieve integrated knowledge coming from all giant planets.

Expertise and Team

I have unique expertise in these fields to fill this gap and lead a team of 3 PhD students and 2 postdocs to work at the frontier of exoplanets and solar system science.

Project Goals

We will provide the community with:

1. The first open-source retrieval tool for exoplanet interiors based on my state-of-the-art models for Jupiter.
2. Use JWST to compile the first database on refractory species in exoplanet atmospheres (indicating the solids accreted during formation).
3. Study atmosphere-interior interactions with self-consistent atmospheric radiative transfer and interior models.
4. Go beyond the state-of-the-art with new interior models for Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune with non-homogeneous interiors and using Neural Networks.

Impact

The impact of the new interior models developed in N-GINE will also affect atmospheric chemical and retrieval calculations, revolutionizing the way of interpreting observations in exoplanets and learning about their origins.