![Phase-dependent (colors) apparent albedo spectra from our updated rfast model for an ocean-covered Earth and assuming 75% cloud coverage (left). The equivalent figure adapted from the high-fidelity Earth simulation data of Ryan & Robinson (2022) are shown for comparison (right). All spectra are at a resolving power (λ/∆λ) of 140. Deeper water bands in the rfast simulations are due to this model only including lower-atmospheric clouds, whereas the Ryan & Robinson (2022) simulations include high-altitude clouds that have lower contrast in gas absorption bands (as they obscure the deep atmosphere). -- [astro-ph.EP]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Retrieving.png?resize=1200%2C717&ssl=1)
[astro-ph.EP] Future space telescopes searching for extraterrestrial life require methods to detect environments that can potentially support life.
Ocean glint
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Inferring And Interpreting The Visual Geometric Albedo and Phase Function of Earth
Understanding reflectance-related quantities for worlds enables effective comparative planetology and strengthens mission planning and execution.
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Detecting Ocean Glint on Exoplanets Using Multiphase Mapping
Rotational mapping and glint are two proposed methods to directly detect liquid water on the surface of habitable exoplanets. However, false positives for both methods may prevent the unambiguous detection […]