A Catalog of Spectra, Albedos, and Colors of Solar System Bodies for Exoplanet Comparison

Astrobiology. 2018 Dec;18(12):1559-1573. doi: 10.1089/ast.2017.1763. Epub 2018 Jul 31.

Abstract

We present a catalog of spectra and geometric albedos, representative of the different types of solar system bodies, from 0.45 to 2.5 μm. We analyzed published calibrated, uncalibrated spectra, and albedos for solar system objects and derived a set of reference spectra and reference albedos for 19 objects that are representative of the diversity of bodies in our solar system. We also identified previously published data that appear contaminated. Our catalog provides a baseline for comparison of exoplanet observations to 19 bodies in our own solar system, which can assist in the prioritization of exoplanets for time intensive follow-up with next-generation extremely large telescopes and space-based direct observation missions. Using high- and low-resolution spectra of these solar system objects, we also derive colors for these bodies and explore how a color-color diagram could be used to initially distinguish between rocky, icy, and gaseous exoplanets. We explore how the colors of solar system analog bodies would change when orbiting different host stars. This catalog of solar system reference spectra and albedos is available for download through the Carl Sagan Institute.

Keywords: Albedo; Biosignature detectability; Exoplanet characterization; Photometric colors; Reflectance spectroscopy; Solar system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Atmosphere / analysis
  • Atmosphere / chemistry
  • Color
  • Exobiology / instrumentation
  • Exobiology / methods
  • Exobiology / statistics & numerical data*
  • Extraterrestrial Environment / chemistry*
  • Gases / analysis
  • Gases / chemistry
  • Solar System / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis / instrumentation
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods
  • Spectrum Analysis / statistics & numerical data
  • Telescopes
  • Water

Substances

  • Gases
  • Water