Disk-averaged Spectra and light-curves of Earth

Astrophysics, abstract
astro-ph/0502238

From: Giovanna Tinetti [view email]

Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 14:44:50 GMT   (1535kb)

We are using computer models to explore the observational sensitivity to
changes in atmospheric and surface properties, and the detectability of
biosignatures, in the globally averaged spectra and light-curves of the Earth.
Using AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) data, as input for atmospheric and
surface properties, we have generated spatially resolved high-resolution
synthetic spectra using the SMART radiative transfer model, for a variety of
conditions, from the UV to the far-IR (beyond the range of current Earth-based
satellite data). We have then averaged over the visible disk for a number of
different viewing geometries to quantify the sensitivity to surface types and
atmospheric features as a function of viewing geometry, and spatial and
spectral resolution.

These results have been processed with an instrument simulator to improve our
understanding of the detectable characteristics of Earth-like planets as viewed
by the first generation extrasolar terrestrial planet detection and
characterization missions (Terrestrial Planet Finder/Darwin and Life finder).
The wavelength range of our results are modelled over are applicable to both
the proposed visible coronograph and mid-infrared interferometer TPF
architectures.

We have validated this model against disk-averaged observations by the Mars
Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS TES).

This model was also used to analyze Earth-shine data for detectability of
planetary characteristics and biosignatures in disk-averaged spectra.

References and citations for this submission:

SLAC-SPIRES HEP (refers to ,
cited by, arXiv reformatted);

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