Characterization method
Phase Curves
Tracking a planet's brightness through its whole orbit as its illuminated fraction changes, like the phases of the Moon. The shape of the curve reveals the temperature difference between day and night sides and how efficiently winds carry heat around the planet — a direct window onto atmospheric circulation.
Highlights
- ›Day–night temperatures and winds from orbital brightness
Methods, worlds & facilities
Across exoplanet science
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Secondary Eclipse
- Associated withAtmospheric Circulation
- Associated withSpitzer Space Telescope
- Associated withJames Webb Space Telescope
- Associated withHot Jupiter
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.