![The telescope flying in formation with the starshade. The telescope can detect and characterize exoplanets viewable near or beyond the angular radius of the starshade as seen from the telescope, which defines the inner working angle (IWA). Figure adopted from the Habex final report [9].-- [astro-ph.IM]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Propulsion.jpg?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
[astro-ph.IM] We assess how propulsion and operational constraints affect exo-Earth characterization with a starshade rendezvous mission for a Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO)-like telescope at Sun-Earth L2.
EXOSIMS
![All plot facets identical to Figure 5. Simultaneous characterization of H2O and O2. Detector noise and thermal emission are included. Shorter wavelengths are preferred for dual detection, but result in lower yields. -- [astro-ph.EP]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Possible-Observational.png?resize=1200%2C716&ssl=1)
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Possible Observational Survey Strategies to Maximize Exoplanet Yields: A Report from the Survey Strategies Task Group in the Exoplanet Science Yields Working Group
[astro-ph.EP] We present a variety of possible observational sequences from planet detection to characterization (i.e., survey strategies) for the initial exoEarth detection and characterization survey phase of the Habitable Worlds […]
Posted inImaging & Spectroscopy
The Science Potential of Characterizing Gas Giant Exoplanets with HWO
[astro-ph.EP] With the ability to directly image Earth-like exoplanets and search their atmospheres for biosignatures, the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) will also collect high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) reflected-light photometry […]
![[LEFT]: Schematic of the star–planet–observer geometry defining the phase angle α, measured between the star–planet and planet–observer directions. The hemisphere of the planet facing the star is fully illuminated (gold) at all times, while the opposite hemisphere remains in shadow. The observer sees only the portion of the illuminated hemisphere that is visible at a given α, with full illumination visible only at α = 0◦. [RIGHT]: Illustration of planetary phases along an edge-on orbit, with the star at the center and the observer direction indicated below the orbit. Although the star-facing hemisphere remains illuminated throughout the orbit, the visible fraction of this hemisphere changes with phase angle. Full phase occurs at α = 0◦, quadrature at α = 90◦, and new phase at α = 180 , with gibbous and crescent phases spanning the intermediate ranges. -- [astro-ph.EP]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Impact.png?resize=1200%2C714&ssl=1)
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes
The Impact of Planetary Phase Functions On Exo-Earth Detectability With EXOSIMS
[astro-ph.EP] The under-development NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) aims to provide breakthroughs in exoplanet science, yet the most effective approaches to modeling the detection and characterization of potentially Earth-like worlds […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Understanding HWO’s Field of Regard and Characterization Requirement Trade Space with a Dynamic Observation Scheduling Algorithm
The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) aims to image and characterize at least 25 ExoEarth candidates (EECs). Achieving this goal requires a detailed understanding of the observatory’s design trade space, including […]