[ad_1]
The satellite characterizing the exoplanet, Cheops, will be launched from October 15 to November 14, 2019.
Cheops will take off from a Soyuz rocket operated by Arianespace from the European spaceport of Kourou, sharing the path in space with a satellite belonging to the Italian constellation Cosmo-SkyMed. The two satellites will separate one after the other in their own orbits shortly after the ascent. Cheops will operate in a low Earth orbit at an altitude of 700 km.
The satellite will observe individual bright stars known to host exoplanets, especially those of the size of Earth to Neptune. By targeting known planets, Cheops will know exactly when and where to catch the exoplanet when it transits on the disk of its host star.
Its ability to observe the multiple transits of each planet will allow scientists to obtain the high-precision transit signatures needed to measure the size of small planets.
The combination of the precise sizes determined by Cheops with masses determined from other measurements will serve to establish the apparent density of the planets, by imposing constraints on their composition; These, along with information on the host stars and orbits of the planet, will provide essential information on the formation and evolutionary history of planets from the size of the super-Earth to Neptune.
The satellite, which has just completed its environmental testing campaign at the ESA Technical Center in the Netherlands, is currently at Airbus Defense and Space, in Spain, to perform the final tests before the next test. to be declared ready for launch in early 2019.
In order to mobilize and inspire different audiences in this exciting mission, Cheops will carry two plates engraved with thousands of miniaturized drawings made by schoolchildren, while the fairing of the rocket will present a colorful pattern chosen during a public competition for graphic designers. earlier this year. .
Related Links
Space Science at ESA
Lands Beyond Beyond – Additional Solar Planets – News & Science
Life beyond the earth
|
We need your help. The SpaceDaily information network continues to grow but revenues have never been more difficult to maintain. With the rise of ad blockers and Facebook, our traditional revenue streams via quality advertising on the network continue to shrink. And unlike many other news sites, we do not have a paywall – with these usernames and boring passwords. Our press coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you feel that our news sites are useful and useful, then consider becoming a regular supporter or contributing for the moment. |
||
|
SpaceDaily Contributor $ 5 billed once credit card or paypal |
 |
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $ 5 billed per month Paypal only |
New database to archive the exoplanet data of the amateur astronomer
Boston MA (SPX) November 19, 2018
At its annual meeting at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, the American Association of Variable Star Observers announced the creation of a new database of exoplanets which will archive long-term tracking information on interesting planets orbiting the solar system and allow for powerful collaborations between professionals. and amateur astronomers.
Although it is difficult to directly observe the exoplanets, it is possible to collect data about them by monitoring the variations of light coming from the … read more
[ad_2]
Source link
