Alexandre Branco
Afonso Mota
IA/CAUP

Abstract
Exoplanet science will make tremendous progress in the next decade, aided by current (e.g. VLT, JWST) and upcoming (e.g. ELT, Ariel, PLATO) telescopes and their instruments. Nonetheless, the following generation of flagship space telescopes is already being developed, led by NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) and Europe's Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE). Both missions share the goal of characterizing temperate rocky exoplanets, particularly potentially habitable worlds around Sun-like stars, and searching for evidence of life. HWO will do this through direct imaging and spectroscopy in reflected UV/optical/near-infrared light, while LIFE will use mid-infrared nulling interferometry to perform spectroscopy and observe planetary thermal emission. These observatories may allow detection of ocean glint, broad constraints on continent morphology, and possibly atmospheric and surface biosignatures. However, interpreting such observations will require substantial precursor science. Key gaps remain in several areas, among which are stellar characterization, climate and atmospheric modelling, spectral retrievals, biosignature assessment, (sub)surface-atmosphere interactions, and biologically realistic definitions of habitability. In this seminar, we will clarify the scientific objectives, technical concepts, and expected observational capabilities of HWO and LIFE, as well as mentioning potential concrete synergies with the ELT. We will then discuss how we at IA could contribute to this preparation through PoET-related science, atmospheric modelling and retrievals, and astrobiological work on habitability characterization, microbial limits, and experimental or modelling approaches linking planetary environments to life.

2026 June 08, 13:30

IA/U.Porto
Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto (Classroom)
Rua das Estrelas, 4150-762 Porto