Detection of Earth-like planets around nearby stars using a petal-shaped occulter

Webster Cash ()
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Webster Cash: Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy, University of Colorado

Nature, 2006, vol. 442, issue 7098, 51-53

Abstract: The search for a sister earth It is difficult to observe Earth-like extrasolar planets as they lie only a fraction of an arcsecond away from their parent stars, and are 10 billion times less bright. That does not stop researchers designing ways to search for and observe them. The ‘New Worlds Observer’, described in this issue, uses two space-craft: a large conventional space telescope and a flower-shaped star-shade parked between the telescope and the target star. The cover simulation shows a sister solar system as it might appear to the NWO. Most prominent feature is a dust ring trapped in orbital resonances with a planet like Uranus. Within the ring are Jupiter and Saturn-like planets. Closer to the hidden central star, planets like Earth and Mars are visible, as is zodiacal light scattered by interplanetary dust. Inset is a familiar Solar System view for comparison. The mission could be flown for a reasonable budget using current technologies.

Date: 2006
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DOI: 10.1038/nature04930

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