The vast majority of known exoplanets have been discovered in radial velocity or transit surveys. This has produced an observational bias favouring the detection and atmospheric characterization of hot exoplanets on short-period orbits. In order to unveil the atmospheres of cold and temperate long-period exoplanets –potential analogues to those in our solar system–, direct-imaging observations will be needed. No later than 2027, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled for launch, equipped with the first coronagraph instrument ever capable of directly imaging mature, cold exoplanets in reflected starlight. This instrument will pave the way for a next generation of facilities such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory, the proposed Large Interferometer For Exoplanets or the ground-based Extremely Large Telescope, all with the ultimate goal of directly imaging Earth-like planets around Sun-like stars. In this talk, I will present precursor simulations aimed at understanding the science yield of these facilities. I will discuss the potential of direct-imaging observations to characterise the atmospheres of cold exoplanets, the possible challenges in the interpretation of the data, and the observing strategies that could optimise the science output. I will also comment on the synergies between the different planned facilities.
Characterising pale (blue ?) dots : upcoming exoplanet science in direct imaging
Vendredi 28 novembre 2025
de
11:00 à
12:00
Bâtiment 17, Salle de conférence 35
