Erlangen 2026 – scientific programme
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P: Fachverband Plasmaphysik
P 15: High Energy Density Physics II
P 15.5: Talk
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 12:15–12:30, KH 01.020
Opacity of Jupiter's and Saturn's interior from ab initio simulations — •Martin Preising1,2 and Ronald Redmer1,2 — 1Universität Rostock — 2Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
We calculate the Rosseland mean opacity along the pressure-temperature conditions of Jupiter's and Saturn's interior by using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations based on density functional theory. We evaluate the Kubo-Greenwood formula for the dynamic conductivity and derive the absorption coefficient and, thereby, the opacity via the dielectric function.
The opacity determines the effectiveness of radiation transport mechanisms from the hot center to the cool surface of a planet. Our results will inform interior and thermal evolution models for Jupiter and Saturn as prototypical gas giant planets, in particular for the region of warm dense matter in their deep interior where quantum and correlation effects are important.
Keywords: planetary physics; linear response theory; ab initio simulations; transport properties; molecular dynamics