This work assesses the potential capability of the next generation of high-precision Radial Velocity (RV) instruments for Earth-twin exoplanet detection. From the perspective of the importance of data sampling, the […]
extrasolar
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Ground-based optical transmission spectroscopy of the small, rocky exoplanet GJ 1132b
Terrestrial Solar System planets either have high mean molecular weight atmospheres, as with Venus, Mars, and Earth, or no atmosphere at all, as with Mercury. We do not have sufficient […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Press Release
Using Deep Space Climate Observatory Measurements to Study the Earth as An Exoplanet
Even though it was not designed as an exoplanetary research mission, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) has been opportunistically used for a novel experiment, in which Earth serves as […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
Giant Planets: Good Neighbors For Habitable Worlds?
The presence of giant planets influences potentially habitable worlds in numerous ways. Massive celestial neighbors can facilitate the formation of planetary cores and modify the influx of asteroids and comets […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Clear and Cloudy Exoplanet Forecasts for JWST
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will measure exoplanet transmission and eclipse spectroscopy at un-precedented precisions to better understand planet structure, dynamics, chemistry and formation. These are essential tools on […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Press Release
Characterizing Earth Analogs in Reflected Light: Atmospheric Retrieval Studies for Future Space Telescopes
Space-based high contrast imaging mission concepts for studying rocky exoplanets in reflected light are currently under community study. We develop an inverse modeling framework to estimate the science return of […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Key Technology Challenges for the Study of Exoplanets and the Search for Habitable Worlds
In support of the National Acadamies’ Exoplanet Science Strategy, this whitepaper outlines key technology challenges for studying the diversity of worlds in the Galaxy and in searching for habitable planets. […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
New Instrument EXPRES Ready to Search for Earth-like Planets
Astronomers at Yale University, in collaboration with Lowell Observatory, are embarking on a search that will answer one of the oldest questions in astronomy: Are there planets similar to Earth […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
EarthFinder: A Precise Radial Velocity Probe Mission Concept For the Detection of Earth-Mass Planets Orbiting Sun-like Stars
EarthFinder is a Probe Mission concept selected for study by NASA for input to the 2020 astronomy decadal survey. This study is currently active and a final white paper report […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
The Importance of Multiple Observation Methods to Characterize Potentially Habitable Exoplanets: Ground- and Space-Based Synergies
The discovery of a truly habitable exoplanet would be one of the most important events in the history of science. However, the nature and distribution of habitable environments on exoplanets […]