Dr. Tiffany Kataria, Scientist, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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Abstract: ince the first discoveries of exoplanets in the mid-1990s, a wealth of theoretical studies set out to predict the physical properties of these extreme worlds. While many intriguing discoveries have been made since then with the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and a range of ground-based facilities, discoveries have been limited by the availability of instruments that are optimized for these observations, particularly for exoplanets that are small and/or potentially habitable. The next decade, however, promises breakthroughs in our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres over a range of exoplanet types. In this talk, I will present efforts to understand the advective, radiative and chemical processes taking place in exoplanet atmospheres through a range of theoretical models. I will also present the new insights gained via observations of transiting, close-in exoplanets with JWST, including our team's eclipse observations of the hot Jupiter HD 189733b. I will also discuss prospects for atmospheric characterization of smaller, potentially habitable exoplanets with JWST, Ariel and the planned Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO).