Ocean signatures in the total flux and polarization spectra of Earth-like exoplanets

ontext. Numerical simulations of starlight that is reflected by Earth-like exoplanets predict habitability signatures that can be searched for with future telescopes.<br/><br/>Aims. We explore signatures of water oceans in the flux and polarization spectra of this reflected light.<br/><br/>Methods. With an adding-doubling algorithm, we computed...

Colors of an Earth-like exoplanet: Temporal flux and polarization signals of the Earth

Context. Understanding the total flux and polarization signals of Earth-like planets and their spectral and temporal variability is essential for the future characterization of such exoplanets. Aims. We provide computed total (F) and linearly (Q and U) and circularly (V) polarized fluxes, and the degree of polarization P of sunlight that is...

Circular polarization signals of cloudy (exo)planets

The circular polarization of light that planets reflect is often neglected because it is very small compared to the linear polarization. It could, however, provide information on a planet’s atmosphere and surface, and on the presence of life, because homochiral molecules that are the building blocks of life on Earth are known to reflect...

The O₂ A-Band in the Fluxes and Polarization of Starlight Reflected by Earth-Like Exoplanets

Earth-like, potentially habitable exoplanets are prime targets in the search for extraterrestrial life. Information about their atmospheres and surfaces can be derived by analyzing the light of the parent star reflected by the planet. We investigate the influence of the surface albedo A _s, the optical thickness b _cloud,...