[astro-ph.EP] The PLATO Stellar Variability Mitigation Working Group designed a radial-velocity (RV) data challenge to assess the precision and accuracy achievable on RV semi-amplitudes in the context of the future […]
PLATO
![Sky map of the Plato benchmark stars in Galactic coordinates. Different symbols indicate benchmark quality samples as defined in the text (Sect. 5.3). Symbol size increases with apparent brightness. -- [astro-ph.SR]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Plato-benchmark.png?resize=1200%2C719&ssl=1)
Posted inPLATO
Plato Benchmark Stars I. The Initial Benchmark Sample I
[astro-ph.SR] The ESA PLATO mission aims to detect and characterise Earth-size exoplanets orbiting bright, late-type stars using high-precision photometry and asteroseismology.
Posted inPLATO
Detecting Transiting Exoplanets In Simulated PLATO data: A Comparison Of Light Curve Filter And Transit Search Algorithms
[astro-ph.EP] Aims: Our goal is to test and compare transit search methodologies, and provide recommendations as to the best practices to be implemented by the upcoming ESA PLATO mission, in […]
Posted inPLATO
Habitable-zone Earths At The Detection Frontier: Measured Completeness And False-alarm Rate Of A Transit Pipeline For The PLATO M-dwarf Sample
[astro-ph.EP] The PLATO mission will observe its first long-pointing field, LOPS2 (Long-duration Observation Phase, South field), for at least two years, bringing the habitable zones (HZ) of its M-dwarf sample […]
Posted inPLATO
Terrestrial Planet Hunter Plato Electronics Pass Pre-launch Tests
[ESA] The European Space Agency’s terrestrial planet hunter Plato has recently completed a series of key tests inside the Maxwell Test Chamber at ESTEC, demonstrating that its electronic equipment is […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, PLATO, Press Release
Astrobiology Mission Update: Plato Habitable Exoplanet Hunter Integration
The European Space Agency Plato mission has successfully completed a series of tough tests under space‑like conditions. With this accomplishment, the spacecraft is on track to lift off in early […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, PLATO, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
Variability Classification Of TESS Targets in LOPS2, The First Long-term Pointing Field Of PLATO. Version 1 of The Public Variability Catalogue
The PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars (PLATO) mission is expected to launch in January 2027. A total of 8\% of its data rate will be dedicated to complementary science […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Missions & Hardware, PLATO, Status Report
Planet Finder PLATO Input Catalogs For Technical Calibration And Fine Guidance
A few weeks after launch, the PLATO spacecraft is expected to start its payload commissioning, which will be completed within the first three months of the mission. This phase includes […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Missions & Hardware, PLATO, Status Report
Plato Exoplanet Mission Hardware Testing
The European Space Agency’s mission to discover Earth-like exoplanets, Plato, is now sealed in the Large Space Simulator (LSS) chamber at ESA’s Test Centre for a series of vital tests […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, PLATO, Press Release
Plato Earth-like Exoplanet Searcher Is Ready For Final Tests
By fitting its sunshield and solar panels, engineers have completed the construction of Plato, the European Space Agency’s mission to discover Earth-like exoplanets. Plato is on track for the final […]