Astronomy Colloquium

By spatially resolving faint planets from their bright host stars, we can directly image exoplanets and characterize them as individual worlds. Exoplanet imaging is limited by our ability to separate the signal of the planet from the bright glare of the star. I will discuss novel techniques that allow us to better detect and characterize Jovian exoplanets with existing telescopes, and if placed on the next generation of observatories, have the potential for us to study habitable worlds. First, I will present significant improvements to the sensitivity of JWST coronagraphs thanks to new data analysis algorithms that utilize techniques from computational imaging that better leverage our knowledge of physics. Next, I will present two techniques that are now enabling new exoplanet properties to be precisely measured at the population level: 1) combining high spatial and spectral resolution to spectrally resolve molecular absorption lines in the atmospheres of directly imaged planets using the Keck Planet Imager and Characterizer (KPIC) and 2) long-baseline optical interferometry with VLTI/GRAVITY to enable an order of magnitude better orbital determination. I will highlight recent science results from these instruments showcasing new ways to study giant plant formation. Finally, I will present the status of the Roman Space Telescope Coronagraph Instrument, which will demonstrate high-order wavefront control in space, potentially image a planet in reflected light for the first time, and mature the technology needed for Habitable Worlds Observatory.