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Opacity-driven bottlenecks in decoding exoplanetary spectra

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The limits of our knowledge on light–matter interactions (that is, opacity models) will affect the exploration of exoplanetary atmospheres. Accounting for these limits will prevent biased claims. Guided improvements in opacity models, their standardization and dissemination will ensure maximum return on investment from the next-generation observatories, including the JWST.

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Fig. 1: Opacity-driven accuracy wall in exoplanet characterization.

References

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Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

This is a summary of: Niraula, P. et al. The impending opacity challenge in exoplanet atmospheric characterization. Nat. Astron. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-022-01773-1 (2022).

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Opacity-driven bottlenecks in decoding exoplanetary spectra. Nat Astron 6, 1237–1238 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-022-01778-w

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