The EXO-ATMOS ERC Starting Grant achieved significant advances in the field of exoplanet research by focusing on their atmospheres, climate dynamics, and the impact of stellar activity. The project addressed key challenges in characterizing exoplanetary diversity, climate and formation, focusing on hot Jupiters
Key achievements across three research programs (RPs) include:
--RP1: Pioneered techniques for detailed exoplanet atmosphere analysis, defining “ultra-hot Jupiters” as a new class and resolving discrepancies in their formation models. The team discovered trends linking atmospheric properties to planetary temperature and contributed to frameworks linking planet formation to atmospheric composition. Publications stemming from this work include detailed emission and transmission spectra analyses (e.g. WASP-18b studies).
--RP2: Developed innovative approaches to study global exo-climates, such as spectroscopic phase curves, providing insights into thermal structures and atmospheric circulation of hot Jupiters. The project allowed for the modeling of magnetic effects and other peculiarities in exoplanet atmospheres. The work prepared the field for transformational studies with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
--RP3: Examined the effects of stellar activity on planetary atmospheres, refining methods for evaluating stellar environment impacting planets. The project also innovated new methods for analyzing multi-object spectroscopic data, and enriched other RPs with complementary high-resolution spectroscopy
The grant also contributed to two key space missions: HST and Spitzer and two new ones: the JWST (e.g. Early Release Science program), advancing exoplanetary atmospheric studies, and the CUTE mission, demonstrating the utility of CubeSats in research.
In addition to scientific breakthroughs, the project impacted education, public outreach, and societal equity. It supported lectures, student programs like ASPIRE, and interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Amsterdam Center for Origins of Life. Public engagement included open days, school events, and collaborations with artists, ensuring broad dissemination of findings.
EXO-ATMOS significantly advanced planetary science, establishing new methodologies and laying the groundwork for future exoplanet exploration. Its findings and innovations resonate beyond academia, addressing humanity’s quest to understand the origins of life and habitability in the cosmos.
