Exoplanet surface mapping using scattered light curves

Bachelor thesis (2021)

Authors

S.N. Stuger Applied Sciences

Contributors

P.M. Visser Mathematical Physics - EEMCS (supervisor 1)
A.J.L. Adam ImPhys/Optics - AS (supervisor 1)
K.P. Hart Analysis - EEMCS (supervisor 2)
A. Endo Tera-Hertz Sensing - EEMCS (supervisor 2)
D.M. Stam Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Copyright: © 2021 Samuel Stuger
Surface mapping Exocartography Light curve
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Published Date

13-09-2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Abstract

In this thesis, we provide a method for reconstructing a planet's surface map from its reflected light curve. We are going to derive an equation for the reflective light-curve under the assumption that the surface map is characterized by four different surface types (ocean, vegetation, sand and snow), is stationary (no clouds), and that all reflection is diffuse (Lambertian). We will show that the transformation is a linear function of the surface map and we will work out the transformation for arbitrary observer inclination and axial tilt. Using this knowledge, we create mock light curve data of self-generated planets. Afterwards, the transformation is inverted using the Moore-Penrose pseudo-inverse and the mock data will be used to demonstrate the surface map recovery for edge-on and face-on observations of planets with different axial tilts. Furthermore, we also provide a method for recovering the planet's axial tilt from its reflected light curve.

Even when a realistic amount of photon shot noise is added to the light curve, we are able to retrieve the planet's surface map and axial tilt fairly well, especially when the planet's tilt has larger axial tilt.