Diversity among other worlds: characterization of exoplanets by direct detection

Understand

The physical characterization of exoplanets will require to take spectra at several orbital positions.

• For that purpose, a direct imaging capability is necessary.
• Direct imaging requires an efficient stellar suppression mechanism, associated with an ultrasmooth telescope.
• We show that before future large space missions (interferometer, 4-8 m class coronograph, external occulter or Fresnel imager), direct imaging of giant planets and close-by super-Earth are at the cross-road of a high scientific interest and a reasonable feasibility.