Universe
ID: 20243
A coronagraph works by blocking the bright light of a star to allower dimmer objects, like orbiting exoplanets, to become visible. This in turn allows cameras to directly image the exoplanet.
Direct imaging provides the critical approach to studying the detailed properties of exoplanets. Images and spectra of directly imaged planets provide some of the most powerful information about the structure, composition, and physics of planetary atmospheres. This information can in turn help scientists better understand the origin and evolution of these systems. The direct imaging technique is also naturally applicable to the nearest and brightest, and thus best-characterized, solar systems.
Advancing the technology for direct imaging of exoplanets was the top priority medium-scale space investment recommended by NWNH. Coronagraphy on the Roman Space Telescope will be a major step towards the long-term goal of a mission that can image habitable Earth-mass planets around nearby stars and measure their spectra for signs of life.
Roman Space Telescope Coronagraph Animation
Direct imaging provides the critical approach to studying the detailed properties of exoplanets. Images and spectra of directly imaged planets provide some of the most powerful information about the structure, composition, and physics of planetary atmospheres. This information can in turn help scientists better understand the origin and evolution of these systems. The direct imaging technique is also naturally applicable to the nearest and brightest, and thus best-characterized, solar systems.
Advancing the technology for direct imaging of exoplanets was the top priority medium-scale space investment recommended by NWNH. Coronagraphy on the Roman Space Telescope will be a major step towards the long-term goal of a mission that can image habitable Earth-mass planets around nearby stars and measure their spectra for signs of life.
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Animation Credits
Walt Feimer (HTSI): Lead Animator
Scott Wiessinger (USRA): Producer
Neil Gehrels (NASA/GSFC): Scientist
Scott Wiessinger (USRA): Producer
Neil Gehrels (NASA/GSFC): Scientist
Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab
Short URL to share this page:
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/20243
Missions:
Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST)
Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
This item is part of these series:
Astrophysics Animations
WFIRST Pre-Launch
Keywords:
SVS >> Hyperwall
SVS >> Coronagraph
SVS >> Astrophysics
NASA Science >> Universe
SVS >> Presentation
SVS >> Exoplanet
SVS >> WFIRST
SVS >> 4K
SVS >> Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/20243
Missions:
Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST)
Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
This item is part of these series:
Astrophysics Animations
WFIRST Pre-Launch
Keywords:
SVS >> Hyperwall
SVS >> Coronagraph
SVS >> Astrophysics
NASA Science >> Universe
SVS >> Presentation
SVS >> Exoplanet
SVS >> WFIRST
SVS >> 4K
SVS >> Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
