Characterization method
Emission Spectroscopy
Measuring the light a planet itself emits — usually its thermal glow — to probe the temperature structure and composition of its dayside. Because the planet's emission is measured against the star, it is easiest for hot planets, and it reveals whether temperature rises or falls with altitude in ways transmission spectra cannot.
Highlights
- ›Probes a planet's dayside from the light it emits
Methods, worlds & facilities
Across exoplanet science
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Secondary Eclipse
- Associated withSpectroscopy
- Associated withJames Webb Space Telescope
- Associated withThermal Inversion
- Associated withThe Secondary Eclipse
- Associated withAtmospheric Retrieval
- Associated withThermal Inversion
- Associated withAriel (exoplanet mission)
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.