Hot Rocks Survey

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Context . Terrestrial exoplanets orbiting nearby small cool stars, known as M dwarfs, are well suited for an atmospheric characterisation. Because the intense X-ray and UV (XUV) irradiation from M dwarf host stars is strong, orbiting exoplanets are thought to be unable to retain primordial hydrogen- or helium-dominated atmospheres. However, it is currently unknown whether heavier secondary atmospheres can survive. Aims . The aim of the Hot Rocks Survey programme is to determine whether exoplanets can retain secondary atmospheres in the presence of M dwarf hosts. In the sample of nine exoplanets in the programme, we aim to determine whether TOI-1468 b has a substantial atmosphere or is consistent with a low-albedo bare rock. Methods . The James Webb Space Telescope provides an opportunity to characterise the thermal emission with MIRI at 15 μm. The occultation of TOI-1468 b was observed three times. We compared our observations to atmospheric models that include varying amounts of CO 2 and H 2 O. Results . The observed occultation depths for the individual visits are 239±52 ppm, 341±53 ppm, and 357±52 ppm. A joint fit yields an occultation depth of 311±31 ppm. The thermal emission is mostly consistent with no atmosphere and a zero Bond albedo at a confidence level of 1.65 σ , or a blackbody at a brightness temperature of 1024 ± 78 K. A pure CO 2 or H 2 O atmosphere with a surface pressure above 1 bar is ruled out at higher than 3 σ . Conclusions . Surprisingly, the surface of TOI-1468 b is marginally hotter than expected. This indicates an additional source of energy on the planet. This source might originate from a temperature inversion or induction heating, or it might be an instrumental artefact. The results within the Hot Rocks Survey build on the legacy of studying the atmospheres of exoplanets around M dwarfs. The outcome of this survey will prove useful to the large-scale survey of M dwarfs that was recently approved by the STScI.