Strategy for the Detection and Study of Other Planetary Systems and Extrasolar Planetary Materials 1990-2000 (1990) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Pages 1-4
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concludes that a coordinated program of astronomical observation, laboratory research, and theoretical development aimed toward systematically exploring the solar neighborhood for planets and planetary systems in various stages of evolution around other stars, and understanding the dynamics and origin of whatever may be found, would be a technologically feasible, scientifically exciting, and potentially richly rewarding extension of the study of bodies within the solar system. It has, in fact, already begun.
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~ note one example, an astrometric telescope with the sensitivity recommended in this report would have a substantial impact on determining stellar distances by direct parallax measurements; it could, for instance, yield accurate distances to at least 20 "standard candle" Cepheid variables and thus precisely calibrate the distance scale in the local group of galaxies and improve that of the universe as a whole. The committee concludes, from consideration of the scientific and engineering issues involved and from assessment of existing and developing detection techniques, that the relevant technology is on the bnok of major advances; that it will be technically feasible, on a one- to perhaps threedecade time scale, to make a first assessment of whether extrasolar planets in the Jupiter- to Uranus-mass range are common or very rare; and that resolution of this question is of immense scientific importance.
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· Continue investigations of lucks between interstellar-circumstellar dust and isotonically "exotic'' grains in solar system materials such as primitive meteorites, interplanetary dust, and comets Important elements and objectives of this effort include collection and curation of rare interplanetary asteroidalcometary dust particles fIDPsJ; laboratory identification Ad analysis of micron to submicron presolar dust grains preserved in these meteonac and IDP materials; and laboratory simulation and theoretical studies of the astronomical dust cycle, Acceding the Companion and physical and chemical processing of interstellar grains in preplaneta~y and planet-forming environments. · Improve the capability of theoretical models and computer expedients to make specific predictions regarding the observational properties of planetary systems at all stages of their evolu non, and to further develop models to aid in the interpretation of existing data · Encourage the following mulii-disciplinary activates between the responsible divisions at OSSA: participation of planetary scientists uz the design and building of future observatories and facility instruments, and u: the allocation of observing time at existing observational facilities; joint support for multidisciplinary scientific initiatives; and joint development of ins~mentation for extrasolar observation.
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