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arXiv · 0912.2968

Plasma physics and planetary astrophysics

Gilles Chabrier
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Abstract

In this review, I briefly summarize the present status of experimental and theoretical investigations of the properties of matter under conditions characteristic of planetary interiors, from terrestrial to jovian planets. I first focus on the two lightest elements, hydrogen and helium, and discuss recent theoretical and experimental investigations of their properties at high pressure and temperature. Then, I discuss the impact of these properties, as well as of the equation of state of heavier elements, on planetary interiors. Finally, I highlight the importance of exoplanet transit observations and of the inferred mass-radius relationships to determine the planetary interior compositions.

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Gilles Chabrier. 2009-12-15. Plasma physics and planetary astrophysics. https://doi.org/10.1088/0741-3335%2F51%2F12%2F124014

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