Evidence for H2 Dissociation and Recombination Heat Transport in the Atmosphere of KELT-9b

Phase curve observations provide an opportunity to study the energy budgets of exoplanets by quantifying the amount of heat redistributed from their daysides to their nightsides. Theories of phase curves for hot Jupiters have focused on the balance between radiation and dynamics as the primary parameter controlling heat redistribution. However, recent phase curves have shown deviations from the trends that emerge from this theory, which has led to work on additional processes that may affect hot Jupiter energy budgets. One such process, molecular hydrogen dissociation and recombination, can enhance energy redistribution on ultra-hot Jupiters with temperatures above similar to 2000 K. In order to study the impact of H-2 dissociation on ultra-hot Jupiters, we present a phase curve of KELT-9b observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope at 4.5 mu m. KELT-9b is the hottest known transiting planet, with a 4.5 mu m dayside brightness temperature of <CDATA5 sigma confidence. This discrepancy may be due to magnetic effects in the planet's highly ionized atmosphere.