Slava Turyshev
September 15, 2022
Zoom recording
Abstract:
Nature has presented us with a very powerful “instrument” that we are yet to explore and put to use. This instrument is the Solar Gravitational Lens (SGL), which results from the ability of the gravitational field of the Sun to focus light from faint, distant targets. In the near future, a modest telescope with a coronagraph could operate in the focal region of the SGL and, using enormous amplification provided by the Lens, could provide multipixel images of exoplanets. We discuss the imaging properties of the SGL and introduce a mission concept to the SGL focal region that could provide us with direct, high-resolution images and spectroscopy of a potentially habitable Earth-like exoplanet. A meter-class telescope operating at the focal region of the SGL could yield ~(450×450)-pixel images of an “Earth 2.0” at distances up to 100 light years (~30 parsec) with spatial resolution high enough to see its surface features and to determine and study the signs of habitability. We address aspects of mission design and spacecraft requirements, as well as capabilities needed to fly this mission in the next two decades. We also discuss technologies for fast transit through the solar system that will be demonstrated during our ongoing NIAC Phase III study. For background, please check: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQFqDKRAROI