Project description
Overcoming observational challenges in extremely large telescopes
Advances in astronomy have led to the discovery of a multitude of planets and increased diversity within our galaxy. Consequently, there has been a new focus on characterising Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones (HZPs) of nearby M dwarfs, as well as on the search for biomarkers in their atmospheres. Advanced, dedicated space missions and ground-based extremely large telescopes (ELTs) have been spearheading this focus. Nonetheless, the performance of these ELTs face critical challenges in characterising small, rocky HZPs. The ERC-funded SPEAR project aims to develop novel simulations and data-analysis methodologies that will overcome such observational limitations in the ELTs. Furthermore, it will establish state-of-the-art simulation tools and observational strategies, paving the way for unprecedented observational performance..
Objective
One of the most significant discoveries of the past decades is the realization that there are more planets than stars in our Galaxy, with a planet diversity that has far surpassed our expectations. A major focus of 21st-century astronomy is the characterization of Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones (HZPs) around nearby M dwarfs and the search for possible biomarkers in their atmospheres. This is driving the development of advanced, dedicated space missions and ground-based Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs).
These upcoming ELTs, equipped with instruments like the ANDES high-resolution spectrograph, aim to probe the atmospheres of HZPs in detail, moving beyond basic parameters to explore their atmospheric composition. Current techniques, like transmission spectroscopy, have been successful in characterizing larger planets but will face significant challenges when applied to small, rocky HZPs. Correcting for stellar, planetary, and systematic signals which are undetectable with current instruments will become crucial, as their signatures will be of the same size or larger than the planetary signals we will be looking for. Moreover, the habitability of these planets is under debate due to their susceptibility to atmospheric loss from intense stellar radiation.
To address these challenges, the SPEAR project proposes a multi-faceted approach to develop new simulations and data analysis methodologies that can solve or mitigate the key observational limitations of the ELTs. The project will also develop advanced simulation tools, conduct empirical studies on sub-Neptune planets as benchmarks targets for habitability studies, design optimal observational strategies for the ELTs, and create a prioritized list of targets that expand the parameter space to search for habitability and biomarkers. By the time the ELTs become operational, SPEAR will provide the missing essential tools needed to fully exploit these powerful observatories in the search for habitable world
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy planetary sciences planets
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-ADG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
38205 SAN CRISTOBAL DE LA LAGUNA
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.