Yurchenko, Sergei N; Tennyson, Jonathan; Brogi, Matteo; (2025) Data challenges and prospects of high-resolution spectroscopy of exoplanets. Nature Reviews Physics 10.1038/s42254-025-00839-z. (In press).

Text High_resolution_spectroscopy_of_exoplanets__data_challenges_and_prospects submitted.pdf - Accepted Version Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 17 January 2026. Download (1MB)

Abstract

Understanding the atmospheres of exoplanets is crucial for unravelling their formation, evolution and potential habitability. High-resolution cross-correlation spectroscopy (HRCCS) has emerged as a powerful tool for probing exoplanetary atmospheres, enabling the detection of molecular species and the characterization of atmospheric dynamics. However, the reliability of these detections depends critically on the accuracy of laboratory spectroscopic data, particularly precise line positions and the careful statistical treatment of observational data. This Technical Review explores the interplay between laboratory data and high-resolution exoplanet spectroscopy, emphasizing the growing shift from isolated molecular detections to comprehensive whole-atmosphere characterization. We discuss the specific challenges of producing high-quality laboratory data and outline the needs of the exoplanetary community in this context. Key topics include the reliability of HRCCS detections, typical jargon of HRCCS and the ethical considerations in data attribution. By bridging the perspectives of laboratory spectroscopy, quantum chemistry and observational astronomy, we provide recommendations for advancing the field towards a more robust and self-consistent framework for exoplanetary atmospheric studies.

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