The University of Western Ontario
Science and Technology Development for Exoplanet Detection with the Proposed POET Mission — The discovery of Earth-like planets and their atmospheric characterization are a top astrophysics priority. Stars that are smaller than half a solar mass offer potentially the best prospects. Consequently, the Photometric Observations of Extrasolar Transits (POET) mission, which focuses on this question, has been identified as a high scientific priority for space astronomy. 

The project aims to optimize the yield of new Earth-like extrasolar planets with the proposed POET micro-satellite mission. The main objectives are to assemble a sample of the 100 best candidate host stars for detecting Earth-like planets with POET, and to test the use of commercial low-cost infrared cameras to improve sensitivity. The validation of commercial infrared cameras for accurate observations could further facilitate their adoption for remote-sensing in disciplines well beyond Astronomy, such as Planetary Exploration, Atmospheric Sciences, and Earth System Science. The stream of junior researchers traine