High-resolution emission spectroscopy of the ultrahot Jupiter KELT-9b: little variation in day- and nightside emission line contrasts

The transmission spectrum of the ultrahot Jupiter KELT-9b (T eq ∼ 4000 K) exhibits absorption by several metal species. We searched for atomic and molecular lines in its emission spectrum by observing partial phase curves with the Calar Alto high-Resolution search for M dwarfs with Exoearths with Near-infrared and optical Echelle Spectrographs (R ∼ 80,000–95,000). We find evidence for emission by Si i in the atmosphere of KELT-9b for the first time. Additionally we find evidence for emission by Mg i and Ca ii, which were previously detected in transmission, and confirmed earlier detections of Fe i emission. Conversely, we find no evidence for dayside emission from Al i, Ca i, Cr i, FeH, Fe ii, K i, Li i, Mg ii, Na i, OH, Ti i, TiO, V i, V ii, VO, and Y i. By employing likelihood mapping, we find indications of there being little variation in emission line contrast between the day- and nightsides—suggesting that KELT-9b may harbor iron emission on its nightside. Our results demonstrate that high-resolution ground-based emission spectroscopy can provide valuable insights into exoplanet atmospheres.