Rocky Worlds DDT Data Challenge Is Now Open
The Rocky Worlds DDT Core Implementation Team (CIT) is pleased to announce that the Rocky Worlds DDT Data Challenge is now open.
The challenge is designed to engage the broader community in analyzing and interpreting JWST MIRI 15 μm time-series observations of terrestrial exoplanets in secondary eclipse, compare analysis methodologies, identify best practices, and help prepare the community to interpret rocky exoplanet atmosphere observations with JWST. The Data Challenge features two JWST MIRI 15 μm time-series datasets:
- Real JWST observations of GJ 3929 b obtained as part of the Rocky Worlds program and already publicly available.
- Simulated observations of LHS 1140 b, designed to resemble data the program expects to collect over the next few years.
Members of the astronomical community, including professional and independent astronomers and citizen scientists, are invited to participate. Dataset documentation, submission instructions, and a live leaderboard are available on the official Kaggle page. There will be a virtual information and tutorial session on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (ET) via WebEx to introduce details about the Data Challenge.
The Data Challenge will remain open until August 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. U.S. ET. After this date, submissions will not be accepted.
Members of top-performing teams who have submitted all requested information may be invited to present their results at the Rocky Worlds DDT Data Challenge Workshop at STScI on November 16 to 18, 2026. The workshop will also include presentations on how the simulated dataset was produced, along with invited and contributed talks on Rocky Worlds DDT science, analysis methodologies, and interpretation techniques relevant to rocky exoplanet atmosphere observations. Contributed-talk abstract submission is now open through mid-July 2026.
Researchers interested in participating — or receiving future Rocky Worlds DDT updates — are encouraged to sign up for the Rocky Worlds DDT News Mailing List. Questions may be sent via email.
Astrobiology,
