Diversity among other worlds: characterization of exoplanets by direct detection

Schneider, J.; Boccaletti, A.; Aylward, A.; Baudoz, P.; Beuzit, J. -L.; Brown, R.; Cho, J.; Dohlen, K.; Ferrari, M.; Galicher, R.; Grasset, O.; Grenfell, L.; Griessmeier, J. -M.; Guyon, O.; Hough, J.; Kasper, M.; Keller, Ch.; Longmore, A.; Lopez, B.; Martin, E.; Mawet, D.; Menard, F.; Merin, B.; Palle, E.; Perrin, G.; Pinfield, D.; Sein, E.; Shore, P.; Sotin, Ch.; Sozzetti, A.; Stam, D.; Surdej, J.; Tamburini, F.; Tinetti, G.; Udry, S.; Verinaud, C.; Walker, D.

Diversity among other worlds: characterization of exoplanets by direct detection

Authors

Description

The physical characterization of exoplanets will require to take spectra at several orbital positions. For that purpose, a direct imaging capability is necessary. Direct imaging requires an efficient stellar suppression mechanism, associated with an ultrasmooth telescope. We show that before future large space missions (interferometer, 4-8 m class coronograph, external occulter or Fresnel imager), direct imaging of giant planets and close-by super-Earth are at the cross-road of a high scientific interest and a reasonable feasibility. The scientific interest lies in the fact that super-Earths share common geophysical attributes with Earths. They already begin to be detected by radial velocity (RV) and, together with giant planets, they have a larger area than Earths, making them detectable with a 1.5-2 m class telescope in reflected light. We propose such a (space) telescope be a first step before large direct imaging missions.
Update of a White Paper submitted to the ESA ExoPlanet Roadmap Advisory Team