The first exoplanet was observed in 1995. This discovery led to a surge in the search for exoplanets, pushing human ingenuity to develop increasingly sophisticated techniques and ever more precise instruments to help in this quest (see chapter 5). The new challenge now is to observe exoplanet atmospheres. Whether or not these exoplanets are home to life, the study of atmospheres is crucial if we want to increase our understanding of how planets form.
The purpose of this video is to explain the various techniques today used by astrophysicists to detect and study these spheres of gas surrounding certain exoplanets.
For more information: Observe the diversity of the spectra of exoplanet atmospheres using this application from the ViewSpace website (in English).
In a recent scientific article, a team of researchers describes the presence of water vapour in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b.