First Steps in Direct Imaging of Planetary Systems Like our Own: The Science Potential of 2-m Class Optical Space Telescopes

2007/07/12 by Karl R. Stapelfeldt, Karl Stapelfeldt, John T. Trauger +15
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Semiconductor Detectors and Materials #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Astrophysics (astro-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #astro-ph

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0707.1886

7 pages, 1 figure. White paper submitted to the AAAC Exoplanet Task Force, spring 2007

arxiv created 2007/07/12 · openalex publication_date 2007/07/12 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

We summarize the scientific potential of high contrast optical space imaging for studies of extrasolar planets, debris disks, and planet formation. The unique scientific capabilities offered by a 2-m class optical telescope, the technical requirements to achieve 10^-9 contrast, and the programmatic means needed to advance such a mission are discussed.

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