Title:
Selecting the Extrasolar Earth Analogues Most Amenable to Atmospheric Characterization
Agreement Number:
19FAWESB40
Agreement Value:
$100,000.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 19, 2020 - Mar 31, 2022
Description:
The project purpose is to discover Earth-like extrasolar planets that would be most amenable to atmospheric characterization and potential detection of biosignature gases.
The team aims to complete surveys with the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) for planets transiting low-mass stars or brown dwarfs, to assess the sizes, orbits, and ensemble properties of the newly-discovered exoplanet population, and to create a ranked list of extrasolar Earth analogues for atmospheric characterization with the James Webb Space Telescope.
The project's Spitzer and TESS campaigns target the dimmest stars and sub-stellar objects (brown dwarfs). The project team has developed methods to distinguish the signature of transiting planets in the highly variable light curves of their hosts and is currently following up the first planet candidate.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
London, Ontario, CA N6A 3K7
Reference Number:
003-2020-2021-Q1-04465
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.
Late Disclosure
Recipient's Legal Name:
The University of Western Ontario
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.