![Schematic diagram of the Fragmented Pupil telescope concept. Left Panel: Bright stars available over ∼degree scale optical fields are condensed into an artificial cluster at sub-arcminute scales (red box). Middle Panel: This is accomplished in a single reflection from a high-stability tessellated optical surface aboard a stable space telescope. Right Panel: Precision astrometric monitoring can then be accomplished by analysis of the resulting well-sampled interferograms in the image plane. Here the central science target is surrounded by a set of 6 reference stars, condensed to lie at arcsecond scales. -- [astro-ph.IM]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Astrometric-detection.png?resize=1200%2C555&ssl=1)
[astro-ph.IM] The detection of orbiting exoplanets by way of astrometric monitoring of the host star to reveal gravitationally induced reflex motion requires extreme precision and measurement stability when targeting Earth-mass […]
astronomy
James Webb Space Telescope JWEBBINAR #53: The Optical Constants Data Base And JWST
Please join us for a James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) webinar (JWebbinar) dedicated to the Optical Constants database (OCdb) and its use in PICASO and VIRGA models to analyze and […]
NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92- 463, as amended), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announces the following meeting: Name and Committee Code: Astronomy and […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
The First Selection Of Optimal Targets For The Lazuli ExtraSolar Coronagraph’s Reflected Starlight Exoplanet Campaign
[astro-ph.EP] Direct detection and characterization of exoplanet atmospheres via reflected starlight enables probes of composition of mature exoplanet systems (since flux is decoupled from age) at closer separations than via […]
Posted inUncategorized
Complex Organic Molecules in Protostars with ALMA Spectral Surveys (COMPASS): I. Overview of the ALMA Large Program
[astro-ph.GA] It remains a fundamental research question in astrochemistry to characterize the inventory of complex organic molecules formed during the early stages of star formation, which may affect the eventual […]
![The Pandora Observatory in stowed configuration is designed to meet the ESPA Grande volume limits. Three renders show the observatory from different angles with the solar array stowed. The spacecraft bus encompasses the lower section of the observatory, with the payload attached to the bus via an interface plate. -- [astro-ph.IM]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/The-Pandora-SmallSat.jpg?resize=1200%2C722&ssl=1)
Posted inCubesats and smallsats
The Pandora SmallSat: Post-launch Operations And Mission Update
[astro-ph.IM] The Pandora SmallSat is a NASA flight project designed to study the atmospheres of exoplanets. Transmission spectroscopy of transiting exoplanets provides our best opportunity to identify the makeup of […]
The Carbon Connection: From Stars To Life
We’re teaming up with NPR ShortWave for a live podcast recording in Washington, D.C.! Hear from leading Carnegie Science researchers, including astrophysicist Madeleine McKenzie, biogeochemist and microbial ecologist Emily Zakem, […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Systematic Uncertainties in Rocky Exoplanet Reflected Light from Incomplete Laboratory BRDF Measurements
[astro-ph.EP] The first observations of short-period rocky exoplanets have initiated the era of terrestrial exoplanet characterization. The interpretation of these observations relies on forward models used in atmospheric and surface […]
Posted inAstrochemistry
Chemical Abundance Patterns at z=1-7: Carbon, Nitrogen, Neon, Sulphur, and Argon Abundances From JWST Spectroscopy
[astro-ph.GA] The relative abundances of chemical elements in the interstellar medium (ISM) trace the history of star formation and chemical enrichment in galaxies.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes
Optimization of Petal-Shaped Occulters for Exo-Earth Observation
[astro-ph.IM] Petal-shaped occulters are giant, formation-flying optical devices designed for use in space astronomy.