Report - School of Physics

2.4. Evaluate observation time for follow-up observations over the next 10 years
of transit candidates obtained by space missions (COROT, Kepler, Eddington-like)
and ground-based observations, including high-resolution imaging and photometry,
on small to very large telescopes [Section 4.2.3].
2.5. In addition to the use of OWL as a follow-up facility, consider prospects for
OWL searches for Earth-mass planets in the solar neighbourhood, including during
the filling phase [Section 3.1.1].
2.6. Investigate the astrometric capabilities of OWL, possibly leading to the inclusion
of an astrometric facility in the instrumentation plan [Section 3.1.1].
3. ESO–ESA – Joint Initiatives
3.1. Consider radial velocity follow-up of COROT (and possibly Kepler or Eddingtontype
missions – but note caveats of Kepler visibility) transit candidates . This would
involve hundreds of targets and requires: (1) a major time allocation of La Silla 3.6-m
telescope to HARPS; (2) probably an instrument with a precision similar to HARPS
but on a larger telescope [Section 4.2.3].
3.2. Consider facilities for radial velocity follow-up of the large number of candidates
(20–30 000) from Gaia, requiring observing time on relatively small, possibly robotic,
telescopes for a few years of full-time operations [Section 4.2.3].
3.3. Consider the photometric (transit) monitoring of large number of high-mass
planet candidates which will come from space experiments [Section 4.2.3].
3.4. Support valid observing time requests for preparatory work to space exo-planet
missions, e.g., field characterisation for an Eddington-like mission [Section 4.2.3].
3.5. Evaluate the prospects of implementing a small interferometric array, along the
lines of GENIE, at Dome C/A, given that it could radically change the capabilities
of ELTs if (a second) OWL were located there [Section 3.1.2].
3.6. Consider coordination of amateur networks, along the lines of AAVSO, for the
follow-up of hot Jupiters detected from ground transit surveys, from Gaia astrometry
and photometry, and for surveys for longer-period objects [Section 4.7.3].
3.7. Foster cooperation between the solar system research community and the extrasolar
planets community, e.g. by supporting or establishing joint meetings of both
communities addressing common topics, such as formation, comparative planetology,
emergence and evolution of life on Earth and elsewhere, etc. [Section 4.7.2].
3.8. Coordinate exo-planet public communication, with some common ‘code of conduct’,
e.g.: (i) no press release without a supporting scientic paper; (ii) claims should
not be overstated, with support sought from external organisations or universities;
(iii) retractions should be posted in the same form to retain credibility.
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