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That should be useful for stellar coronagraphs for finding extrasolar planets. The idea is to have an opaque disc that occludes the star so you can see the plan
by Animats 2y ago
That should be useful for stellar coronagraphs for finding extrasolar planets. The idea is to have an opaque disc that occludes the star so you can see the planets. This is usually attached to the telescope, but one could be flown out a kilometer or so with this approach. JPL was looking at this but went with a more traditional design instead.
- rbanffy 2y agoHow would JPL ensure the coronagraph could be easily repositioned? I'm thinking of attaching it to the telescope through very long cables and using lasers to nudge it into position.
- Animats 2y agoAs in the parent article here, it's free-flying and can be any reasonable distance from the telescope. Maybe a kilometer out from the telescope. The article says they have some very low thrust thrusters for fine positioning.
- rbanffy 2y agoIt would make sense to launch multiple shades and pack them with lots and lots of propellant so they can last as long as possible. Maybe even schedule regular fleet renewals for when the propellant runs out, and manage the coronagraphs independently, as they can position themselves between any telescope and their target. A single one would force observations to follow the coronagraph and limit telescope observation.