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“Hot Jupiters: Atmospheres and Circulation Regimes” Prof. Kristen Menou Columbia University |
| Hot Jupiters are wonderful planetary science laboratories: what would happen to our Jupiter if it were moved closer to our Sun, within the orbit of Mercury? Until recently, this was only a thought experiment. Thanks to a series of observational breakthroughs with the Spitzer Space Telescope, however, we now have data to constrain the unusual atmospheric conditions and the unique circulation regime present on extrasolar hot Jupiters. I will describe the current observational and theoretical state of affairs and will conclude with a promising note on the future of this emerging field, thanks to the advent of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). |