The project has produced results beyond the state-of-the art, especially in terms of tools and methods to disentangle the exoplanet signal from systematic instrumental noise and to retrieve the exoplanet atmosphere parameters from the reduced data. The catalogue about host star properties is the most complete and homogeneous one. A quantitative assessment of the physical parameters which characterize the star – planet interactions has been done for the first time. Results have been publishedn in peer reviewed journals.
The science results from the data-sets and state-of-the art techniques produced in this project will enable Europe to be at the forefront of exoplanet atmosphere science for the years to come. It provide the European science community with the means to exploit the observations of exoplanet atmospheres with the James Webb Space Telescope mission. The project is also of high value to prepare for the scientific exploitation of the Ariel mission, which has been selected in March 2018 as the ESA M4 mission to be launched in 2028. This mission is entirely devoted to the study of exoplanet atmospheres and, for the first time, will allow for statistical significant studies of the atmospheres of about 1000 exoplanets.
The science products of the project are freely available to the scientific community.
The project has participated in attracting the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers; the EU future economy and competitiveness depends on strong science and engineering sectors. The promotion of observational and space sciences is crucial to inspire development of the next generation of scientists and engineers. Extrasolar planets are today one of the most exciting and trendy subjects, inspiring young people to take up the (physical) sciences in later studies and in their careers. Our knowledge server provides the general public and students with a broad overview of what is Science, how it is achieved and what Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge it might require.
The discovery of about 5000 extra-solar planets in the last couple of decades is one of the most exciting developments of modern astronomy. It resonates enormously with a public that has already shown to have high interest levels in the exploration of the diverse worlds of our own Solar System, and an insatiable hunger for news about space exploration. It directly addresses deep philosophical issues that concern our fellow citizens: What are other worlds like? How do they form and evolve? Are we alone in the universe? Public outreach to keep on engaging our fellow citizens with the excitement of exoplanets research has been an important part of the project.
