Aura-3D: A Three-dimensional Atmospheric Retrieval Framework for Exoplanet Transmission Spectra

Atmospheric retrievals of exoplanet transmission spectra allow constraints on the composition and structure day-night terminator region. Such in past have typically assumed one-dimensional temperature structures which were adequate to explain extant observations. However, increasing data quality expected from spectroscopy with JWST motivates considerations multidimensional atmospheric retrievals. We present AURA-3D, a three-dimensional retrieval framework for spectra. AURA-3D includes forward model that enables rapid computation 3D geometry given can, therefore, be used as well computing General Circulation Models (GCMs). In order efficiently explore space possible retrievals, we develop parametric pressure-temperature profile can accurately represent azimuthally-averaged range hot Jupiter GCMs. apply our simulated observations spectra, obtaining accurate estimates variation across abundances chemical species. demonstrate an example spectrum traditional 1D JWST-quality returns biased abundance estimates, whereas including gradient retrieve true abundances. Our also has capability include inhomogeneous chemistry variable clouds/hazes. This new opens field detailed characterisation using exoplanets era.