The Effects of Spectral Resolution in Detecting Oxygen in Earth-like Exoplanets

Abstract

In this work, we study the extent of the effect of instrument resolution and noise in the detection of habitable, transiting, earth-sized exoplanets. This is an expansion of the analysis performed in Snellen et al. (2013). We use model planet, star, and telluric signals to create a sample composite spectrum. The spectrum simulates the signal received by a ground-based telescope and can be modified to stellar, planet, and planetary atmosphere specifications and noise levels. We focus on the oxygen a-band from 7575A to 7800A as an indicator of exoplanet habitability. The model spectrum is then cross-correlated with the planet signal over the period of its transit, and across varying spectral resolutions, to create a visual analysis. Finally, we assess the results to determine the contribution of spectral resolution to habitable exoplanet detection. iii