The University of Western Ontario

Published purpose

The discovery of Earth-like planets and their atmospheric characterization are a top astrophysics priority. Stars that are smaller than half a solar mass offer potentially the best prospects. Consequently, the Photometric Observations of Extrasolar Transits (POET) mission, which focuses on this question, has been identified as a high scientific priority for space astronomy. The project aims to optimize the yield of new Earth-like extrasolar planets with the proposed POET micro-satellite mission. The main objectives are to assemble a sample of the 100 best candidate host stars for detecting Earth-like planets with POET, and to test the use of commercial low-cost infrared cameras to improve sensitivity. The validation of commercial infrared cameras for accurate observations could further facilitate their adoption for remote-sensing in disciplines well beyond Astronomy, such as Planetary Exploration, Atmospheric Sciences, and Earth System Science. The stream of junior researchers trained in the POET projects will be well positioned to lead these scientific and technological developments.