Exoplanets

In addition to detecting planets, SETI Institute scientists use space-based and both large and small ground-based telescopes to uncover the details of these exoplanets. By studying their physical characteristics and measuring their atmospheres, we hope to understand their surface conditions, climate, and potential for habitability.

SETI Institute Exoplanet scientists use computer models to study planetary systems and directly image young stars and their planet-forming disks, to identify and better understand key steps in planet formation and evolution.

We are working on developing small missions to observe young exoplanets and to study the Earth and other Solar System planets as exoplanets. Our Exoplanet researchers are working on several fronts to prepare for the flagship missions that will image and search for signs of life in the atmospheres of nearby Earth-size planets. This preparatory work involves studying exoplanet populations, identifying suitable target stars, modeling exoplanet climates and atmospheric spectral signatures, and developing and refining key instrument technologies that will allow us to observe a planet that is 10 billion times fainter than its nearby host star.