The next five years will see the launch of not one, but two ESA M-class missions dedicated to exoplanetary science. PLATO, ESA’s M3 mission is scheduled for launch in December 2026, while Ariel, the M4 mission, aims to follow in 2029. PLATO will attempt to characterize the time variability of over 100,000 stars and identify thousands of new exoplanets. Ariel will attempt to probe into the physical and chemical characteristics of exoplanetary atmospheres for ~1,000 preselected targets. The missions are highly complementary and are expected to expand the field of exoplanets after the JWST.
To prepare for these two missions, the exoplanet group at SRON would like to invite the Dutch exoplanet community to the PLATO-Ariel Community.
This 1-day workshop should provide valuable opportunities for our community to present the latest advancements in the PLATO and Ariel missions, foster collaboration, and share insights and/or preparations critical to the success of these projects for the Dutch exoplanet community.
The workshop will take place on March 21 at SRON Leiden.
To ensure that we can accommodate and cater to everyone, we kindly ask you to register below.
Workshop Focus
Mission Progress: Updates on PLATO and Ariel, including technical milestones, data products and scientific goals.
Prepatory science: Sessions focused on sharing current insights and methodologies relevant to the missions.
Discussion: Strategic discussions aimed at enhancing collaborations among Dutch scientists.
Preliminary program
09:30 General intro
10:00 PLATO Technical Session
10:45 coffee
11:15 PLATO Science and Discussion
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Phase Curves with PLATO and Ariel
14:00 Ariel Technical Session
14:45 Coffee
15:15 Ariel Science and Discussion
16:15 Drinks.
