new-worlds-observer

Finding Earth twins will probably require direct imaging, because the odds of finding a transiting Earth are so low. A good way to make that happen would be to use a big flower-shaped occulter, like in the proposed New Worlds Observer. "That's what we'd like to do," Seager said. "People are taking this seriously. It's part of active technology development." Something like this shield has been proposed for the James Webb Space Telescope, the planned successor to the Hubble that recently slid into a budget void. "Right now things are kind of a disaster with James Webb," Seager said. "It's not clear if there will be money for this new thing, but we're hopeful that things will work out. Some people are even hopeful that because James Webb is delayed, there will be more time for technology to develop." awesome simulator

Image: NASA and Northrop Grumman

new-worlds-observer

Backlink: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/wp-content/gallery/exoplanet-atmospheres/new-worlds-observer.jpg