Austrian Early Career Conference 2024

Contribution:
Talk

Authors:
S. Schleich [1]; S. Boro Saikia [1]; Q. Changeat [2]; M. Güdel [1]; A. Voigt [1]; I. Waldmann [3]

Affiliations:
1: University of Vienna; 2: European Space Agency - STScI; 3: University College London

Title:
Influences of data processing techniques on the interpretation of atmospheric spectra from JWST

Abstract:
The characterisation of exoplanet atmospheres through spectroscopic observations is the next step in advancing our understanding of exoplanetary systems. The field of exo-atmospheres is at a turning point thanks to the recent launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). However, the combination of increased sensitivity and wavelength coverage requires significant care in the reduction and interpretation of these observations, as the resulting data products determine the conclusions drawn by retrieval algorithms. We present an analysis of a JWST near-infrared observation of the Hot Jupiter WASP-39 b, comparing atmospheric characterisation results obtained from transmission spectra produced with varying data reduction assumptions. Investigating the impact of these assumptions on retrieved atmospheric parameters provides us with important insights into best practices for investigating the extensive amount of exo-atmosphere spectra expected from JWST.