Tohoku-Hiroshima-Nagoya planetary spectra library: a method for characterizing planets in the visible to near infrared^*

¹ Astronomical Institute, Tohoku University, Aoba, Sendai 980-8578, Japan e-mail: rlundock@astr.tohoku.ac.jp
² Astrophysical Science Center, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama 1-3-1, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
³ Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan

Received: 27 May 2009
Accepted: 28 August 2009

Abstract

Context. A comprehensive framework for comparing spectral data from different planets has yet to be established. This framework is needed for the study of extrasolar planets and objects within the solar system.

Aims. We completed observations to compile a library of planet spectra for all planets, some moons, and some dwarf planets in the solar system to study their general spectroscopic and photometric natures.

Methods. During May and November of 2008, we acquired spectra for the planets using TRISPEC, which is capable of simultaneous three-band spectroscopy across a wide wavelength range of 0.45-2.5 μm with low resolving power ( ~ 140–360).

Results. Patterns emerge when comparing the spectra. By analyzing their general spectroscopic and photometric natures, we show that it is possible to distinguish between gas planets, soil planets, and ice planets. These methods can be applied to extrasolar observations acquired using low resolution spectrography or broad-band filters.

Conclusions. The present planet spectral library is the first library to contain observational spectra for all of the solar system planets, based on simultaneous observations at visible and near infrared wavelengths. This library will be a useful reference for analyzing extrasolar planet spectra and calibrating planetary data sets.