Towards the identification of Earth 2.0

 

Jacob Bean (University of Chicago)

 

Exoplanet surveys have revealed an amazing diversity of planets orbiting other stars over the last 20 years. Studying the atmospheres of representative exoplanets is the key next step in leveraging these detections to further transform our understanding of planet formation and planetary physics. Furthermore, atmospheric studies are critical for determining if any of the small habitable zone exoplanets that are now being detected are truly habitable, and even inhabited. In this talk, I will describe a vision for how we can pursue the compelling opportunities in exoplanet atmospheres today, and in the future. I will present new results from ongoing projects that serve as a model for the proposed program, including a definitive new constraint on the atmosphere of the super-Earth archetype GJ1214b. A fundamental component of the envisioned approach for the future is the need for a strategic program combining observations with multiple ground- and space-based telescopes using a suite of techniques to investigate the question of habitability. I will conclude by discussing how the the Giant Magellan Telescope in particular is poised to play a crucial role in the identification of the first Earth twin as part of this plan.