Projects

Here is a list of my first-author publications, each with a brief summary of its main results and contributions.

Planet Earth in reflected and polarized light III

I analyzed over a decade of Earthshine polarization spectra to study Earth as an exoplanet. Using a state-of-the-art 3D model with sub-grid cloud variability, wavelength-dependent albedo maps, and ocean glint, I successfully reproduced the observations and showed that polarization can reveal oceans, vegetation, and an active water cycle, key indicators of habitability.

PAPER GITHUB

Planet Earth in reflected and polarized light II

I modeled Earth-like exoplanets orbiting nearby stars to improve predictions of reflected and polarized light. Using 3D radiative transfer simulations with wavelength-dependent albedo maps and realistic 3D cloud structures, I showed that simplistic models misrepresent polarization and spectral features, emphasizing the need for detailed surface and cloud treatments.

PAPER GITHUB

Planet Earth in reflected and polarized light I

I modeled an Earth-like exoplanet in reflected and polarised light to study how clouds and surface features shape its spectra and phase curves. Using 3D radiative transfer simulations with wavelength-dependent albedo maps and realistic 3D cloud structures, I showed that polarization provides critical information for characterizing planetary surfaces and atmospheres.

PAPER GITHUB

Hyperspectral albedo maps

I developed a hyperspectral albedo dataset for Earth called HAMSTER, which plays an important role in accurately representing the spectral, temporal, and spatial variability of Earth’s surface reflectivity. This dataset has significant implications for improving Earth system models and enhancing remote sensing applications related to climate studies.

GITHUB PAPER

Exomoons around FFPs

I studied how long exomoons orbiting free-floating planets (FFPs) can retain liquid water on their surfaces. Using close-encounter simulations, I determined the orbital parameters of exomoons that remain gravitationally bound to their escaping planets. Assuming tidal heating as the sole energy source, I modelled their orbital and atmospheric evolution to investigate changes in surface temperature over time.

PAPER

Community & Outreach

giulia.roccetti@esa.int
giuli.roccetti@gmail.com

European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC), 
Camino bajo del Castillo s/n, ​ 
Villanueva de la Cañada 28692 Madrid, Spain

 © Giulia Roccetti (2025)

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