Diversity in planetary atmospheres shaped during the magma ocean stage
Speaker: Keiko Hamano (DoS, NAOJ)
Abstract:
Earth, Venus, and Mars are classified as the same planet category, “terrestrial planets”, in the solar system, but their atmospheres and surface environments are currently very different. Geochemical evidence and theoretical studies suggest that Earth, and likely the other terrestrial planets, began in a molten state—a global “magma ocean”—due to the energy released during planetary accretion. As these molten planets formed and solidified, fundamental planetary structures—such as the core, mantle, and atmosphere—were established, providing the initial conditions for subsequent planetary evolution.
In this presentation, the focus will be on the atmosphere that forms above a magma ocean, which is one of the key factors in understanding the diversity of planetary atmospheres. The research explores how basic planetary parameters, such as distance from the Sun (star) and planetary mass, can influence the early atmosphere throughout the magma ocean stage. Additionally, I will discuss the future directions of my research at NAOJ and welcome feedback and comments from the audience to help advance the research efforts.