Multi-Resolution Analysis of Giant Exoplanets – MIRAGES

Exoplanets are ubiquitous in our galaxy but the processes that drive their formation and evolution are still largely uncertain. Extrasolar giant planets (EGPs) are an essential class of objects because they gravitationally dominate their planetary systems, and they can either enhance or inhibit the subsequent formation of smaller telluric planets. Their atmospheres contain unique markers that bear the imprint of their most fundamental properties, such as their formation mechanism, internal structure and on-going physical, chemical, and dynamical processes. We are now at a crossroads for the direct characterization of young EGPs, with a multitude of facilities able to deliver high-quality emission spectra of their atmospheres in the near infrared. These data span several orders of magnitude in spectral resolution, which is a gold mine from the astrophysical perspective but a challenge from the analysis and modelling point-of-view due to the large amount and heterogeneity of the data. In project MIRAGES, we will produce the most comprehensive understanding of the physical and chemical properties governing the spectral properties of young EGPs, thanks to an ambitious data analysis fusion strategy incorporating the most advanced developments in exoplanetary atmosphere modelling. The core of the work will be based on guaranteed data from observation programs that we are leading: the HiRISE survey will provide data at very high spectral resolution on a sample of known EGPs starting in 2023, and the X-SHYNE survey data for which we already have the data. Based on these unique data, we will implement data fusion techniques in our ForMoSA forward modelling tool to be able to optimally combine multi-resolution data sets. Our analysis will use our state-of-the-art Exo-REM exoplanet atmosphere model, which will be further enhanced to fully support the data and goals of project MIRAGES.