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| Paper: |
Unlocking the Secrets of Exoatmospheres:
The Benefits of Accounting for Spectropolarimetry in the Design of HWO |
| Monograph: |
11, HWO25 Proceedings Part II: Mission Framework, Technology, and Broader Contributions |
| Page: |
263 |
| Authors: |
T. Karalidi, C. Vancil, K. Bott, M. Millar-Blanchaer, E. Manjavacas, and K. Goodis Gordon |
| DOI: |
10.26624/HUYU5407 |
| Abstract: |
Polarimetry is a crucial and yet underused tool in the community of extrasolar bodies. Polarimetric observations complement unpolarized phase curve and spectroscopic observations, allowing for more accurate atmospheric characterizations. Polarimetric phase curves at different wavelengths vary strongly with the properties of the atmosphere, including the thermal profile, refractive indices of clouds, cloud altitude and optical thickness, and cloud spatial distribution, among other things. Thus, polarimetry can help constrain these atmospheric properties and break a number of degeneracies that traditional, unpolarized light observations have. The need for polarimetry on the Habitable Worlds Observatory (\textit{HWO}) has been acknowledged by the community and is mentioned in a number of Science Case Development Documents (SCDDs) as a necessary tool for the characterization of both giant exoplanet atmospheres as well as terrestrial planets (both atmosphere and surface) in and out of the habitable zone. Here, we advocate for the need and benefits to account for polarimetry in the design of \textit{HWO}. |
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