INTERFEROMETERS AND CORONOGRAPHS: THE POTENTIAL AND REALITIES OF LOOKING FOR OTHER EARTHS

摘要

This paper explores the astronomical potential that makes the search for other earths using interferometers and coronagraphs so compelling. Because only Earth is available as a sample planet with obvious life, and there is a geological and biological record of life history, other earths have a special role in the search for life elsewhere. The most difficult technical problem in searching for other earths is currently expected to be time variable vibration of the science instrument. Levels of 1pm (coronagraph) or 1nm (interferometer) could cause instruments to misfunction. Finally there are issues in getting organized to make the challenging and expensive step of DARWIN/TPF, and a very high degree of cooperation and coordination between government, scientists and industry will be needed.