Mapping alien continents

1 minute read Preparations for upcoming moonwalk simulations underway (and underwater) Graphic representation of the Mapping Alien Continents concept. Paul Stankus Pablo StankusBrookhaven Scientific Associates The scientific objective of the proposed work will be to reconstruct the image, that is, resolve the surface features, of an Earth-like exoplanet around a nearby star, seen in visible light.

1 minute read

Preparations for upcoming moonwalk simulations underway (and underwater)

Graphic representation of the Mapping Alien Continents concept.

Paul Stankus

Pablo Stankus
Brookhaven Scientific Associates

The scientific objective of the proposed work will be to reconstruct the image, that is, resolve the surface features, of an Earth-like exoplanet around a nearby star, seen in visible light. The innovation is developed in two stages. First, the design of a new type of nulling interferometer (“dynamic hierarchical nulling”) that combines inputs from multiple apertures and is capable of separating starlight from planetary light with a contrast of 10^10 or better in the visible. Second, combine the output beams of two of these nullers on spacecraft stationed approximately 100 km away to achieve the required angular resolution using Michelson interferometric imaging; Note that the hierarchical nuller preserves the light from the star in a separate beam that can then be used as an interference phase reference. The ability to study the characteristics of Earth-like exoplanets is perfectly aligned with NASA’s priorities and is sure to spark public interest.

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