LOUPE: Observing Earth from the Moon to prepare for detecting life on Earth-like exoplanets: Observing Earth from the Moon to prepare for detecting life on Earth-like exoplanets: LOUPE: Observing Earth from the Moon

D. Klindzic, D.M. Stam, Frans Snik, Jens Hoeijmakers, Michelle Willebrands, Teodora Karalidi, V. Pallichadath, Chris van Dijk, Marco Esposito

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

LOUPE, the Lunar Observatory for Unresolved Polarimetry of the Earth, is a small, robust spectro-polarimeter for observing the Earth as an exoplanet. Detecting Earth-like planets in stellar habitable zones is one of the key challenges of modern exoplanetary science. Characterizing such planets and searching for traces of life requires the direct detection of their signals. LOUPE provides unique spectral flux and polarization data of sunlight reflected by Earth, the only planet known to harbour life. These data will be used to test numerical codes to predict signals of Earth-like exoplanets, to test algorithms that retrieve planet properties, and to fine-tune the design and observational strategies of future space observatories. From the Moon, LOUPE will continuously see the entire Earth, enabling it to monitor the signal changes due to the planet's daily rotation, weather patterns and seasons, across all phase angles. Here, we present both the science case and the technology behind LOUPE's instrumental and mission design. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Astronomy from the Moon: the next decades'.

Original languageEnglish
Article number20190577
Number of pages1
JournalRoyal Society of London. Philosophical Transactions A. Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
Volume379
Issue number2188
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • spectropolarimetry
  • exoplanets
  • Earth observation
  • lunar science
  • Earth as an exoplanet
  • LOUPE

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