Domain, Specialties : CHIMIE
Research Unit : DAp / LDE3
Summary
The project will build a model for excitation of the H3+ ion, which is a prominent feature in the aurorae of the solar system planets. We will use the model to developped by the student to explore the role of this ion in the energy balance of exoplanet atmospheres. We will put these findings in the context of ongoing and future observations of exoplanet atmospheres.
Full description
The H3+ ion is a valuable diagnostic in the upper atmospheres of the gas giants in the Solar System, where it is often related to auroral activity. Despite multiple efforts to identify its signature on exoplanets, typically with high-resolution spectroscopy from ground-based telescopes, its detection remains elusive. This project sets out an effort to understand the prospects of detecting H3+ on exoplanets, and to quantify its impact on the energy budget of the planets. We will use numerical models available to the group to constrain the chemical kinetics and collisional-radiative properties of this ion, and how key stellar parameters (e.g. the stellar spectrum and wind properties) affect the H3+ abundances. We will connect these predictions with ongoing and future observations with telescopes such as JWST or the E-ELT.
Location
Saclay
Internship conditions
- Internship duration: 6 months
- Level of study: Bac+5
- Training: Master 2
- Continuation in PhD thesis: Yes
- Application deadline: 16 mars 2026
Experimental skills
Language : English
Useful methods and technics:
Chemical and radiative transport modelling based on tools developed in our group.
Computer languages and software:
Fortran, IDL, python.
Links
Site web du laboratoire : https://irfu.cea.fr/Phocea/Vie_des_labos/Ast/ast_groupe.php?id_groupe=971
Supervisor
Garcia Munoz Antonio
Phone: 01 69
Email :
Head of the laboratory DAp / LDE3
Antoine STRUGAREK
Phone: