The mid-to-long wavelength infrared region holds essential information on the atmospheric composition, dynamics, and evolutionary history of both brown dwarfs and directly imaged exoplanets. Using JWST and ground-based facilities, numerous molecular species between 3 - 5 microns probe inhomogeneous cloud coverage and vertical convective mixing simultaneously within gas giant atmospheres. Earth-like planets emit most of their internal heat and have the best contrast within the often underutilized, long-wavelength infrared (LWIR, 7.5 – 14 microns) band. I will first share the results of a spectroscopic, time-series JWST program studying WISE 0855 (280K), the coldest known brown dwarf and the best analog for studying processes that also occur on gas giant planets within our Solar System. Using atmospheric and structural models, we find that the changes in CO and temperature must originate from distinct surface features and patchy water clouds. I will then highlight a mid-infrared study of a benchmark brown dwarf binary system to understand the impact of clouds on substellar evolution. Lastly, I will discuss the design and commissioning plan of the first coronagraphic, adaptive optics-assisted, long-wavelength infrared IFU on the MMT. The IFU upgrade of MIRAC-5 will demonstrate that taking LWIR spectra of exoplanets is feasible from the ground and validate the use of zinc selenide lenslet arrays for 8- and 30-meter class instruments.
Brittany Miles, Assistant Professor, Steward Observatory University of Arizona
Host: Jason Wang
CIERA ASTROPHYSICS
(847) 491-8646
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