Explanipedia

The SPace-based InterFerometer Feasibility (SPIFF) Project: Enabling Future High-Resolution Astronomy Across the EM Spectrum Open

Berke Vow Ricketti, Victoria Yankelevich, Chris S. Benson, Renske Smit, Sebastian Kamann , et al. · 2025

A plethora of astronomical science cases can only be achieved with high angular resolution observations, and we can expect the number of these to grow as astronomers are constrained by the size limitations of single-aperture space telescop…

Requirements on bandpass resolution and measurement precision for LiteBIRD Open

S. Giardiello, A. Carones, T. Ghigna, L. Pagano, F. Piacentini , et al. · 2025

Systematic effects can hinder the sought-after detection of primordial gravitational waves, impacting the reconstruction of the B -mode polarization signal which they generate in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). In this work, we stud…

The Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey sensitivity and performance Open

E. Pascale, Andrea Bocchieri, Paul Eccleston, Lorenzo V. Mugnai, Ανδρέας Παπαγεωργίου , et al. · 2025

The Ariel space mission is set to perform spectroscopic characterization of the atmospheres of a broad and diverse selection of hundreds of exoplanets. The target list is designed to span a wide array of planetary masses, densities, equili…

De-jittering Ariel: An optimized algorithm Open

Andrea Bocchieri, Lorenzo V. Mugnai, E. Pascale, Ανδρέας Παπαγεωργίου, Angèle Syty , et al. · 2025

The European Space Agency’s Ariel mission, scheduled for launch in 2029, aims to conduct the first large-scale survey of atmospheric spectra of transiting exoplanets. Ariel achieves the high photometric stability on transit timescales requ…

MauveSim: the instrument simulator software for the Blue Skies Space Mauve satellite Open

Arianna Saba, F. Favata, G. Savini, G. Tinetti, Ian Stotesbury , et al. · 2025

We present MauveSim, the instrument simulator software for Mauve, the latest mission from Blue Skies Space dedicated to time-domain stellar astronomy. MauveSim functions as an end-to-end simulator, employing the most up-to-date knowledge o…

A metamaterial telescope at millimetre wavelengths Open

G. Savini, Peter Hargrave, Peter A. R. Ade, Alexey Shitvov, Rashmi Sudiwala , et al. · 2025

In this paper we present a novel telescope composed exclusively of thin, flat optical elements, each being a hot-pressed multi-layered structure combining the properties of a lens, its anti-reflection coating and frequency selection or fil…

The JCMT BISTRO Survey: the magnetized evolution of star-forming cores in the Ophiuchus molecular cloud interpreted using histograms of relative orientation Open

J. Perry, Kate Pattle, Doug Johnstone, Woojin Kwon, Tyler L. Bourke , et al. · 2024

The relationship between B-field orientation and density structure in molecular clouds is often assessed using the histogram of relative orientations (HRO). We perform a plane-of-the-sky geometrical analysis of projected B-fields, by inter…

The JCMT BISTRO Survey: The magnetised evolution of star-forming cores in the Ophiuchus Molecular Cloud interpreted using Histograms of Relative Orientation Open

J. Perry, Kate Pattle, Doug Johnstone, Woojin Kwon, Tyler L. Bourke , et al. · 2024

The relationship between B-field orientation and density structure in molecular clouds is often assessed using the Histogram of Relative Orientations (HRO). We perform a plane-of-the-sky geometrical analysis of projected B-fields, by inter…

The Ariel payload design post-PDR Open

Paul Eccleston, Andrew Caldwell, Georgia Bishop, Lucile Désjonqueres, Rachel Drummond , et al. · 2024

The Ariel space mission will characterize spectroscopically the atmospheres of a large and diverse sample of hundreds of exoplanets. Through the study of targets with a wide range of planetary parameters (mass, density, equilibrium tempera…

The UK Submillimetre and Millimetre Astronomy Roadmap 2024 Open

Kate Pattle, P. S. Barry, A. W. Blain, Mark Booth, Rebecca A. Booth , et al. · 2024

In this Roadmap, we present a vision for the future of submillimetre and millimetre astronomy in the United Kingdom over the next decade and beyond. This Roadmap has been developed in response to the recommendation of the Astronomy Advisor…

The Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey sensitivity and performance Open

E. Pascale, Andrea Bocchieri, Paul Eccleston, Lorenzo V. Mugnai, G. Savini , et al. · 2024

The Ariel space mission will characterise spectroscopically the atmospheres of a large and diverse sample of hundreds of exoplanets. Targets will be chosen to cover a wide range of masses, densities, equilibrium temperatures and host stell…

Mauve: a UV-Vis satellite dedicated to monitor stellar activity and variability Open

F. Z. Majidi, Lawrence Bradley, Sushuang Ma, Arianna Saba, G. Tinetti , et al. · 2024

Mauve is a satellite equipped with a 13-cm telescope and a UV-Visible spectrometer (with anoperative wavelength range of 200-700 nm) conceived to measure stellar magnetic activity andvariability. The science program will be delivered via a…

LiteBIRD science goals and forecasts. A case study of the origin of primordial gravitational waves using large-scale CMB polarization Open

P. Campeti, Eiichiro Komatsu, C. Baccigalupi, M. Ballardini, N. Bartolo , et al. · 2024

We study the possibility of using the LiteBIRD satellite B -mode survey to constrain models of inflation producing specific features in CMB angular power spectra. We explore a particular model example, i.e. spectator axion-SU(2) gauge fiel…

LiteBIRD Science Goals and Forecasts. A Case Study of the Origin of Primordial Gravitational Waves using Large-Scale CMB Polarization Open

P. Campeti, Eiichiro Komatsu, C. Baccigalupi, M. Ballardini, N. Bartolo , et al. · 2023

We study the possibility of using the $LiteBIRD$ satellite $B$-mode survey to constrain models of inflation producing specific features in CMB angular power spectra. We explore a particular model example, i.e. spectator axion-SU(2) gauge f…

The science case for a far-infrared interferometer in the era of JWST and ALMA Open

David Leisawitz, Matteo Bonato, D. Farrah, Tupper Hyde, Aláine Lee , et al. · 2023

A space-based far-infrared interferometer could work synergistically with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) to revolutionize our understanding of the astrophysical processes leading to the …

Tensor-to-scalar ratio forecasts for extended LiteBIRD frequency configurations Open

U. Fuskeland, J. Aumont, R. Aurlien, C. Baccigalupi, A. J. Banday , et al. · 2023

LiteBIRD is a planned JAXA-led cosmic microwave background (CMB) B -mode satellite experiment aiming for launch in the late 2020s, with a primary goal of detecting the imprint of primordial inflationary gravitational waves. Its current bas…

BISOU: A balloon project to measure the CMB spectral distortions Open

B. Maffei, Maximilian H. Abitbol, N. Aghanim, J. Aumont, E. S. Battistelli , et al. · 2023

The BISOU (Balloon Interferometer for Spectral Observations of the Universe) project aims to study the viability and prospects of a balloon-borne spectrometer, pathfinder of a future space mission dedicated to the measurements of the CMB s…

The Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey (Ariel) sensitivity and performance Open

E. Pascale, Paul Eccleston, G. Savini, G. Tinetti · 2022

<p>The Ariel space mission will characterise spectroscopically the atmospheres of a large and diverse sample of hundreds of exoplanets. Targets will be chosen to cover a wide range of masses, densities, equilibrium temperatures and h…

Broadband coated lens solutions for FIR-mm-wave instruments Open

Alexey Shitvov, G. Savini, Peter Hargrave, P. A. R. Ade, C. Tucker , et al. · 2022

This paper presents recent results of ongoing European Space Agency funded program of work aimed at developing large dielectric lenses suitable for future satellite missions, with a particular focus on requirements for CMB polarimetry. Two…

Twinkle: a small satellite spectroscopy mission for the next phase of exoplanet science Open

Ian Stotesbury, Billy Edwards, Jean‐François Lavigne, Vasco Pesquita, James Veilleux , et al. · 2022

With a focus on off-the-shelf components, Twinkle is the first in a series of\ncost competitive small satellites managed and financed by Blue Skies Space Ltd.\nThe satellite is based on a high-heritage Airbus platform that will carry a\n0.…

BISOU: a balloon project to measure the CMB spectral distortions Open

B. Maffei, Maximilian H. Abitbol, N. Aghanim, J. Aumont, E. S. Battistelli , et al. · 2021

The BISOU (Balloon Interferometer for Spectral Observations of the Universe) project aims to study the viability and prospects of a balloon-borne spectrometer, pathfinder of a future space mission dedicated to the measurements of the CMB s…

MetaTel: Ongoing work on a meta-material sub-THz telescope for Earth observing Open

G. Savini, Alexey Shitvov, Peter Hargrave, C. Tucker, I. K. Walker , et al. · 2021

We report on ongoing technology development activities in the build and testing of a refractive telescope composed of metamaterial Gradient Index (GrIn) lenses based on photolithographic meshes. This concept is tailored for Earth Observati…

Monte Carlo transmission line modelling of multilayer optical coatings for performance sensitivity of exoplanet spectroscopy Open

Vinooja Thurairethinam, G. Savini · 2021

Multilayer optical coatings are widely used on the surface of optical components to enhance the transmittance of light in certain spectral regions while reducing it in other regions. Discrepancies between the measured and predicted spectra…

The far-infrared spectroscopic surveyor (FIRSS) Open

D. Rigopoulou, Chris Pearson, Brian Ellison, Martina Wiedner, V. Ossenkopf , et al. · 2021

Ariel: Enabling planetary science across light-years Open

G. Tinetti, Paul Eccleston, C. A. Haswell, Pierre-Olivier Lagage, Jérémy Leconte , et al. · 2021

Ariel, the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, was adopted as the fourth medium-class mission in ESA's Cosmic Vision programme to be launched in 2029. During its 4-year mission, Ariel will study what exoplanets are …

The optical design of the LiteBIRD Middle and High Frequency Telescope Open

L. Lamagna, Jon E. Gudmundsson, Hiroaki Imada, Peter Hargrave, C. Franceschet , et al. · 2021

LiteBIRD is a JAXA strategic L-class mission devoted to the measurement of polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background, searching for the signature of primordial gravitational waves in the B-modes pattern of the polarization. The onboa…

Twinkle: a low-Earth orbit, visible and infrared observatory for exoplanet and solar system spectroscopy Open

Billy Edwards, Marcell Tessenyi, G. Savini, G. Tinetti, Ian Stotesbury , et al. · 2020

The Twinkle Space Mission is a space-based observatory that has been conceived to measure the atmospheric composition of exoplanets, stars and solar system objects. The satellite is based on a high-heritage platform and will carry a 0.45 m…

Twinkle: a low-Earth orbit, visible and infrared observatory for exoplanet and solar system spectroscopy Open

Billy Edwards, Marcell Tessenyi, G. Tinetti, G. Savini, Ian Stotesbury , et al. · 2020

The Twinkle Space Mission is a space-based observatory that has been conceived to measure the atmospheric composition of exoplanets, stars and solar system objects. The satellite is based on a high-heritage platform and will carry a 0.45 m…

Exoplanet Ephemeris Maintenance using Ground- and Space-based Telescopes Open

Hamish Caines, M. Rocchetto, G. Savini · 2020

Ariel will require precise knowledge of the transit timings for all of its targets. However, the precision we have for each target will degrade significantly over the 8 years until launch, in some cases to the point where the error exceeds…

Original Research by Young Twinkle Students (ORBYTS): ephemeris refinement of transiting exoplanets Open

Billy Edwards, Quentin Changeat, Kai Hou Yip, Angelos Tsiaras, Jake Taylor , et al. · 2020

We report follow-up observations of transiting exoplanets that have either large uncertainties (>10 min) in their transit times or have not been observed for over 3 yr. A fully robotic ground-based telescope network, observations from c…

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