Time-series transit observations of exoplanet atmospheres can provide insights into the formation and evolution of exoplanetary systems. In this talk, I will share the results of two surveys aimed at characterizing the atmospheres of sub-Jovian planets: 1) the JWST Cycle 1 Compositions Of Mini-Planet Atmospheres for Statistical Study (COMPASS) program which aims to understand population-level atmospheric trends for 1-3 R_earth planets using JWST/NIRSpec G395H (3-5 microns);  and 2) the Keck Young Planets (KYP) program, which searched for excess helium absorption at 1.083 microns with Keck II/NIRSPEC in three <500 Myr mini-Neptunes. From the results of these programs, we are beginning to place constraints on the prevalence and retention of primordial H/He envelopes in sub-Jovian worlds.

Astro Colloquium and 'coffee & cookies' department gathering (3:30-3:45pm)

Please join in 538 Davey or click the link to join: https://psu.zoom.us/j/96372770280