Since the first exo-planet around a Sun-like star was discovered in 1995, the pace of exo-planetary science has accelerated, with nearly 2000 such planets now confirmed. Technological advances in both observational and analytical tools drive this momentum. The sheer diversity of worlds and systems is revolutionizing planetary science, yet we discern the vast majority of exoplanets only indirectly by their effects on the parent stars. A robust understanding of these results must come from analogy with our own solar system. In fact, one of the most tantalizing findings of exo-planetary research will be direct evidence of biology on other worlds – a goal that is achievable in the coming decades. By cultivating the next generation of research scientists, the TEPS program will place Canadians at the forefront of this emerging science and related technologies.Scientific Opportunity Since the first exo-planet around a Sun-like star was discovered in 1995, the pace of exo-planetary science has accelerated, with nearly 2000 such planets now confirmed. Technological advances in both observational and analytical tools drive this momentum. The sheer diversity of worlds and systems is revolutionizing planetary science, yet we discern the vast majority of exoplanets only indirectly by their effects on the parent stars. A robust understanding of these results must come from analogy with our own solar system. In fact, one of the most tantalizing findings of exo-planetary research will be direct evidence of biology on other worlds – a goal that is achievable in the coming decades. By cultivating the next generation of research scientists, the TEPS program will place Canadians at the forefront of this emerging science and related technologies.Scientific Opportunity Since the first exo-planet around a Sun-like star was discovered in 1995, the pace of exo-planetary science has accelerated, with nearly 2000 such planets now confirmed. Technological advances in both observational and analytical tools drive this momentum. The sheer diversity of worlds and systems is revolutionizing planetary science, yet we discern the vast majority of exoplanets only indirectly by their effects on the parent stars. A robust understanding of these results must come from analogy with our own solar system. In fact, one of the most tantalizing findings of exo-planetary research will be direct evidence of biology on other worlds – a goal that is achievable in the coming decades. By cultivating the next generation of research scientists, the TEPS program will place Canadians at the forefront of this emerging science and related technologies.Scientific Opportunity Exo-planet discovery and analysis require that scientists operate at the edge of technology development. It is not enough for our trainees to understand the tools that they will use; they must also actively participate in the development of those tools. As such, the TEPS program will, for the first time, combine exo-planetary science with the study of our own solar system through robotic planetary exploration. Planetary scientists have developed a holistic approach to understanding how planets work as systems, and trainees with a primary focus in exo-planets will benefit from collaborations with solar system researchers. For example, they will understand the critical comparisons between in situ measurements (“ground-truth”) and remote sensing data. Moreover, trainees with a focus in solar system science will benefit from a better understanding of the diversity of exoplanets thereby facilitating novel solutions to planetary problems.Interdisciplinary Approach Canada has played a leading role in both exo-planetary astronomy and solar system science, using space-borne and ground-based tools. Signature technologies, including the MOST space telescope (Dynacon), LiDAR (Optech) and APXS (MDA), as well as our recent contributions to NASA Planetary Exploration missions have raised Canada’s stature. With commitments to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST; NIRISS built by COM DEV, PI: Co-Applicant Doyon) and the NASA Asteroid Sample Return Mission (OSIRIS-REx; laser altimeter built by MDA and led by Collaborator Daly), and the Canadian Space Agency’s expected involvement in the Wide-Field InfraRed Space Telescope (WFIRST), the demand for HQP in aerospace and robotics professions continues to grow.Extending and Enhancing Canadian Leadership
Moreover, Canada has committed $243.5 million for the Thirty Meter Telescope project, including its enclosure (AMEC Dynamic Structures) and adaptive optics (industry-NRCHerzberg partnership). Recently, the Canada Foundation for Innovation granted $4.4 million to a team led by co-applicant R. Doyon to build SPIRou, a high-precision infrared spectrometer to detect and characterize terrestrial exoplanets. Given these exciting developments, the TEPS program will enhance the nation’s human resource, scientific, and technological capabilities, helping to secure Canada’s leadership position in space science and technology as well as advanced optical and infrared instrumentation.
Images provided by NASA
https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/
