Reading between the rainbows: comparative exoplanet characterisation through molecule agnostic spectral clustering

Accurately characterising exoplanet atmospheres could offer insights into the planetary demographics of rocky worlds in the universe. Our approach correlates ”agnostic” spectral characteristics to each other. This study uses 42 synthetic spectra which were algorithmically processed to reveal separation patterns and clusters. These correlated to various known planet characteristics. We are able to separate reducing vs. oxic atmospheres and roughly constrain mixing ratios in an unknown sample.

Through this, we have demonstrated that it is possible to differentiate and analyse exoplanet atmosphere type from agnostic interrogation of their transit spectra with a method we call “Molecule Agnostic Spectral Clustering”.