Geometric effects on the flux and polarization signals of Jupiter-sized exoplanets

The direct detection of reflected starlight from exoplanets marks the beginning of a new era in the characterization of extrasolar planetary atmospheres. The flux and in particular the linear polarization signals from such planets are sensitive to atmospheric structure and composition, but other effects may also contribute to observed signals. We investigate the influence of an exoplanet’s shape and orbitorientation on its flux and polarization signature, and compare it against the influence of a variable cloud cover.Astrodynamics & Space Mission