Christophe Cossou

Context . The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) provides low- to medium-resolution spectra with unprecedented precision and broad near- to mid-infrared wavelength coverage, thus enabling the detailed characterization of exoplanet atmospheres. Given the complexity of JWST data and the diversity of observing modes, it is essential to understand the information content of the resulting spectra to optimize observation strategies and assess the limits of atmospheric inference. Aims . This work presents a new JWST NIRISS SOSS transit observation of the warm sub-Saturn HAT-P-12b. Together with complementary NIRSpec G395M and MIRI LRS data, this enables a detailed assessment of the information content across JWST instruments over the full accessible wavelength range (excluding MIRI MRS). Methods . The NIRISS data were reduced, and the impact of specific reduction choices on the resulting transmission spectrum was assessed. Atmospheric retrievals were performed for all combinations of JWST data, supplemented by archival HST observations in select cases. The analysis further included evaluations of molecular detection significances and assumptions about the atmospheric structure. Results . The same four molecules previously reported are significantly detected: H ₂ O, CO ₂ , CO, and H ₂ S. Except for H ₂ O, all require NIRSpec coverage for detection, while H ₂ S is only detected in multi-instrument retrievals. Abundance constraints obtained using HST WFC3 instead of JWST NIRISS SOSS are largely consistent, particularly when combining instruments, but NIRISS SOSS proved essential to establishing robust evidence for nongray cloud behavior. A moderately steep scattering slope ( p < 4) is consistently retrieved across different HST STIS reductions. Conclusions . Single-instrument retrievals, even when yielding significant detections, tend to overestimate molecular abundances. In contrast, retrievals that combine spectra from multiple JWST instruments generally converge toward consistent abundance constraints. The derived C/O ratio remains sensitive to subtle differences between NIRSpec reductions, owing to the instrument’s exclusive coverage of the carbon-bearing molecules CO ₂ and CO, so its interpretation requires caution. The results are broadly consistent with information content studies of the benchmark target WASP-39b, although differences, including the absence of a preference for non-isothermal T-P profiles, highlight variations in information content across exoplanet types.

Au delà du système solaire et de ses planètes, nous avons maintenant un catalogue de quasiment 1000 exoplanètes qui illustrent la grande diversité des planètes et des systèmes qu'il est possible de former. Cette diversité est un défi que les modèles de formation planétaire tentent de relever. La migration de type 1 est un des mécanismes pour y parvenir. En fonction des propriétés du disque protoplanétaire, les planètes peuvent s'approcher ou s'éloigner de leur étoile. La grande variété des modèles de disques protoplanétaires permet d'obtenir une grande variété de systèmes planétaires, en accord avec la grande diversité que nous observons déjà pour l'échantillon limité qui nous est accessible. Grâce à des simulations numériques, j'ai pu montrer qu'au sein d'un même disque, il est possible de former des super-Terres ou des noyaux de planètes géantes selon l'histoire de migration d'une population d'embryons.

Context . The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on board the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) enables the characterisation of young self-luminous gas giants in a previously inaccessible wavelength range, revealing insights into physical processes of the gas, dust, and clouds. Aims . We aim to characterise the young planetary system TWA 27 (2M1207) in the mid-infrared, revealing the atmosphere and disk spectra of the M9 brown dwarf TWA 27A and its L6 planetary-mass companion TWA 27b. Methods . We obtained data from the MIRI Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) from 4.9 to 20 μm, and MIRI Imaging in the F1000W and F1500W filters. We applied high-contrast imaging data processing methods in order to extract the companion spectral energy distribution up to 15 μm at a separation of 0.″78 and contrast of 60. Using published spectra from JWST/NIRSpec, we analysed the 1-20 μm spectra with self-consistent atmosphere grids, and the molecular disk emission from TWA 27A with 0D slab models. Results . We find that the atmosphere of TWA 27A is well fitted with the BT-SETTL model of effective temperature T _eff ~ 2780 K, log g ~ 4.3, and a blackbody component of ∼740 K for the circumstellar disk inner rim. The disk consists of at least 11 organic molecules, and neither water nor silicate dust emission are detected. The atmosphere of the planet TWA 27b matches with a T _eff ~ 1400 K low-gravity model when adding extinction, with the ExoREM grid fitting the best. MIRI spectra and photometry for TWA 27b reveal a silicate cloud absorption feature between 8-10 μm, and evidence (>5σ) of infrared excess at 15 μm that is consistent with predictions from circumplanetary disk emission. Conclusions . The MIRI observations present novel insights into the young planetary system TWA 27, showing a diversity of features that can be studied to understand the formation and evolution of circumplanetary disks and young dusty atmospheres.

Context . The chemical composition of warm gas giant exoplanet atmospheres (with T _eq < 1000 K) is not well known due to the lack of observational constraints. Aims . HAT-P-12 b is a warm, sub-Saturn-mass transiting exoplanet that is ideal for transmission spectroscopy. We aim to characterise its atmosphere and probe the presence of carbonaceous species using near-infrared observations. Methods . One transit of HAT-P-12 b was observed in spectroscopy with JWST NIRSpec in the 2.87–5.10 µm range with a resolving power of ~1000. The JWST data are combined with archival observations from HST WFC3 covering the 1.1–1.7 µm range. The data were analysed using two data reduction pipelines and two atmospheric retrieval tools. Atmospheric simulations using chemical forward models were performed to interpret the spectra. Results . CO ₂ , CO, and H ₂ O are detected at 12.2, 4.1, and 6.0 σ confidence, respectively. Their volume mixing ratios are consistent with an atmosphere of ~10× solar metallicity and production of CO ₂ by photochemistry. CH ₄ is not detected and seems to be lacking, which could be due to a high intrinsic temperature with strong vertical mixing or other phenomena. SO ₂ is also not detected and its production seems limited by low upper atmosphere temperatures (~500 K at P ≲ 10 ⁻³ bar derived from one-dimensional retrievals), insufficient to produce it in detectable quantities (≳ 800 K required according to photochemical models). H ₂ S is marginally detected using one data analysis method, but not by the other. Retrievals indicate the presence of clouds between 2 and 11 mbar using one data analysis method, and between 5 and 269 mbar using the other. The derived C/O ratio is below unity, but is not well constrained. Conclusions . This study points towards an atmosphere for HAT-P-12 b that could be enriched in carbon and oxygen with respect to its host star, a possibly cold upper atmosphere that may explain the non-detection of SO ₂ , and a CH ₄ depletion that is yet to be fully understood. When including the production of CO ₂ via photochemistry, an atmospheric metallicity that is close to Saturn’s can explain the observations. Metallicities inferred for other gas giant exoplanets based on their CO ₂ mixing ratios may need to account for its photochemical production pathways. This may impact studies on mass-metallicity trends and links between exoplanet atmospheres, interiors, and formation history.

Silicate clouds have long been known to significantly impact the spectra of late L-type brown dwarfs – with observable absorption features at ~10 μm. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has reopened a window to the mid-infrared with unprecedented sensitivity, bringing the characterization of silicate clouds into focus again. Using JWST, we aim to characterize the planetary-mass brown dwarf PSO J318.5338-22.8603, concentrating on any silicate cloud absorption the object may exhibit. PSO J318’s spectrum is extremely red, and its flux is variable, both of which are thought to be hallmarks of cloud absorption. We present JWST NIRSpec PRISM, G395H, and MIRI MRS observations of PSO J318 from 1 to 18 μm. We introduce a method based on PSO J318’s brightness temperature to generate a list of cloud species that are likely present in its atmosphere. We tested for the species’ presence with petitRADTRANS retrievals. Using retrievals and grids from various climate models, we derived bulk parameters from PSO J318’s spectra, which are mutually compatible. Our retrieval results point to a solar to a slightly super-solar atmospheric C/O, a slightly super-solar metallicity, and a ¹² C/ ¹³ C below ISM values. The atmospheric gravity proves difficult to constrain for both retrievals and grid models. Retrievals describing the flux of PSO J318 by mixing two 1D models (“two-column models”) appear favored over single-column models; this is consistent with PSO J318’s variability. The JWST observations also reveal a pronounced absorption feature at 10 μm. This absorption is best reproduced by introducing a high-altitude cloud layer of small (<0.1 μm) amorphous SiO grains. The retrieved particle size and location of the cloud is consistent with SiO condensing as cloud seeding nuclei. High-altitude clouds comprised of small SiO particles have been suggested in previous studies. Therefore, the SiO nucleation we potentially observe in PSO J318 could be a more widespread phenomenon.

The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) enables the characterisation of young self-luminous gas giants at previously inaccessible wavelengths, revealing physical processes in gas, dust, and clouds. We characterise the young planetary system TWA 27 (2M1207) in the mid-infrared (MIR), studying the atmosphere and disk spectra of the M9 brown dwarf TWA 27A and its L6 planetary-mass companion TWA 27b. We obtained data with the MIRI Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) from 4.9 to 20 um, and MIRI Imaging in the F1000W and F1500W filters. We applied high-contrast imaging methods to extract the companion's spectral energy distribution up to 15 um at 0.78 arcsec separation and a contrast of 60. Combining these with published JWST/NIRSpec spectra, we analysed the 1-20 um range using self-consistent atmospheric grids and 0D slab models for molecular disk emission. The atmosphere of TWA 27A is well fitted by a BT-SETTL model with Teff 2780 K, log g 4.3, plus a 740 K blackbody for the inner disk rim. The disk shows at least 11 organic molecules, with no water or silicate dust emission detected. The atmosphere of TWA 27b is matched by a Teff 1400 K low-gravity model with extinction, best fit by the ExoREM grid. MIRI spectra and photometry for TWA 27b reveal a silicate cloud absorption feature between 8-10 um and significant (>5 sigma) infrared excess at 15 um consistent with circumplanetary disk emission. These MIRI observations provide new insights into TWA 27, revealing diverse features to study the formation and evolution of circumplanetary disks and young dusty atmospheres.

We report MIRI-JWST coronagraphic observations at 11.3 and 15.5 mic of the debris disk around the young star HD 106906. The observations were made to characterize the structure, temperature and mass of the disk through the thermal emission of the dust heated by the central star. Another goal was also to constrain the size distribution of the grains. The data were reduced and calibrated using the JWST pipeline. The analysis was based on a forward-modeling of the images using a multiparameter radiative transfer model coupled to an optical code for coronagraphy processing. The disk is clearly detected at both wavelengths. The slight asymmetry is geometrically consistent with the asymmetry observed in the near-IR, but it is inconsistent the brightness distribution. The observed structure is well reproduced with a model of a disk (or belt) with a critical radius 70 au, a mildly inward-increasing density (index 2) and a steeper decrease outward (index -6). This indication of a filled disk inside the critical radius is inconsistent with sculpting from an inner massive planet. The size distribution of the grains that cause the mid-IR emission is well constrained by the flux ratio at the two wavelengths : 0.45 10 mic and 0.65 10 mic for silicate and graphite grains, respectively. The minimum size is consistent with predictions of blowout through radiative pressure. We derive a mass of the dust that causes the mid-IR emission of 3.3 5.0 E3 Mearth. When the larger grains (up to 1 cm) that cause the millimeter emission are included, we extrapolate this mass to 0.10 0.16 Mearth. We point out to that this is fully consistent with ALMA observations of the disk in terms of dust mass and of its millimeter flux. We estimate the average dust temperature in the planetesimal belt to be 74 K, and a temperature range within the whole disk from 40 to 130 K.

Context. The newly accessible mid-infrared (MIR) window offered by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) for exoplanet imaging is expected to provide valuable information to characterize their atmospheres. In particular, coronagraphs on board the JWST Mid-InfraRed instrument (MIRI) are capable of imaging the coldest directly imaged giant planets at the wavelengths where they emit most of their flux. The MIRI coronagraphs have been specially designed to detect the NH₃ absorption around 10.5 µm, which has been predicted by atmospheric models and should be detectable for planets colder than 1200 K. Aims. We aim to assess the presence of NH₃ while refining the atmospheric parameters of one of the coldest companions detected by directly imaging GJ 504 b. Its mass is still a matter of debate and depending on the host star age estimate, the companion could either be placed in the brown dwarf regime of ∼20 M_Jup or in the young Jovian planet regime of ∼4 M_Jup. Methods. We present an analysis of new MIRI observations, using the coronagraphic filters F1065C, F1140C, and F1550C of the GJ 504 system. We took advantage of previous observations of reference stars to build a library of images and to perform a more efficient subtraction of the stellar diffraction pattern. We used an atmospheric grid from the Exo-REM model to refine the atmospheric parameters by combining archival near-infrared (NIR) photometry with the MIR photometry. Results. We detected the presence of NH₃ at 12.5 σ and measured its volume mixing ratio of 10^−5.3±0.07 in the atmosphere of GJ 504 b. These results are in line with atmospheric model expectations for a planetary-mass object and observed in brown dwarfs within a similar temperature range. The best-fit model with Exo-REM provides updated values of its atmospheric parameters, yielding a temperature of T_eff = 512 ± 10 K and radius of R = 1.08_−0.03^+0.04 R_Jup. Conclusions. These observations demonstrate the capability of MIRI coronagraphs to detect NH₃ and to provide the first MIR observations of one of the coldest directly imaged companions. Overall, NH₃ is a key molecule for characterizing the atmospheres of cold planets, offering valuable insights into their surface gravity. These observations provide valuable information for future spectroscopic observations planned with JWST, in particular, with the MIRI medium-resolution spectrometer (MRS), which will allow us to characterize the atmosphere of GJ 504 b in depth.

Context. Mid-infrared imaging of exoplanets and disks is now possible with the coronographs of the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) on theJames WebbSpace Telescope (JWST). This wavelength range unveils new features of young directly imaged systems and allows us to obtain new constraints for characterizing the atmosphere of young giant exoplanets and associated disks.Aims. These observations aim to characterize the atmosphere of the planet HD 95086 b by adding mid-infrared information so that the various hypotheses about its atmospheric parameters values can be unraveled. Improved images of cirsumstellar disks are provided.Methods. We present the MIRI coronagraphic imaging of the system HD 95086 obtained with the F1065C, F1140, and F2300C filters at central wavelengths of 10.575 µm, 11.3 µm, and 23 µm, respectively. We explored the method for subtracting the stellar diffraction pattern in the particular case when bright dust emitting at short separation is present. Furthermore, we compared different methods for extracting the photometry of the planet. Using the atmospheric modelsExo-REMandATMO, we measured the atmospheric parameters of HD 95086 b.Results. The planet HD 95086 b is detected at the two shortest MIRI wavelengths F1065C and F1140C. The contribution from the inner disk of the system is also detected. It is similar to that in the HR 8799 system. The outer colder belt is imaged at 23 µm. Background objects are observed in all filters. The mid-infrared photometry provides better constraints on the atmospheric parameters. We evaluate a temperature of 800–1050 K, consistent with one previous hypothesis that only used near-infrared data. The radius measurement of 1.0–1.14 R_Jupis better aligned with evolutionary models, but still smaller than predicted. These observations allow us to refute the hypothesis of a warm circumplanetary disk.Conclusions. HD 95086 is one of the first exoplanetary systems to be revealed at mid-infrared wavelengths. This highlights the interests and challenges of observations at these wavelengths.

Context. The MIRI instrument on board JWST is now offering high-contrast imaging capacity at mid-IR wavelengths, thereby opening a completely new field of investigation for characterizing young exoplanetary systems. Aims. The multiplanet system HR 8799 is the first target observed with MIRI’s coronagraph as part of the MIRI-EC Guaranteed Time Observations (GTO) exoplanet program, launched in November 2022. We obtained deep observations in three coronagraphic filters, from ∼10 to 15 µm (F1065C, F1140C, F1550C), and one standard imaging filter at ∼20 µm (F2100W). The goal of this work is to extract photometry for the four planets and to detect and investigate the distribution of circumstellar dust. Methods. Using dedicated observations of a reference star, we tested several algorithms to subtract the stellar diffraction pattern, while preserving the fluxes of planets, which can be significantly affected by over-subtraction. To obtain correct measurements of the planet’s flux values, the attenuation by the coronagraphs as a function of their position must be accounted for, as well as an estimation of the normalisation with respect to the central star. We tested several procedures to derive averaged photometric values and error bars. Results. These observations have enabled us to obtain two main results. First, the four planets in the system are well recovered and we were able to compare their mid-IR fluxes, combined with near-IR flux values from the literature, to two exoplanet atmosphere models: ATMO and Exo-REM. As a main outcome, the MIRI photometric data points imply larger radii (1.04 or 1.17 R_J for planet b) and cooler temperatures (950 or 1000 K for planet b), especially for planet b, in better agreement with evolutionary models. Second, these JWST/MIRI coronagraphic data also deliver the first spatially resolved detection of the inner warm debris disk, the radius of which is constrained to about 15 au, with flux densities that are comparable to (but lower than) former unresolved spectroscopic measurements with Spitzer. Conclusions. The coronagraphs coming from MIRI ushers in a new vision of known exoplanetary systems that differs significantly from shorter wavelength, high-contrast images delivered by extreme adaptive optics from the ground. Inner dust belts and background galaxies become dominant at some mid-IR wavelengths, potentially causing confusion in detecting exoplanets. Future observing strategies and data reductions ought to take such features into account.