The TOLIMAN (Telescope for Orbit Locus Interferometric Monitoring of our Astronomical Neighbourhood) space telescope is a low-cost mission concept aimed at detecting of exoplanets via the
astrometry
Astrometry is a branch of astronomy that involves precise measurements of the positions and movements of stars and other Astronomical object, celestial bodies. It provides the kinematics and physical origin of the Solar System and this galaxy, th ...
method, and specifically targeting the
Alpha Centauri
Alpha Centauri (, α Cen, or Alpha Cen) is a star system in the southern constellation of Centaurus (constellation), Centaurus. It consists of three stars: Rigil Kentaurus (), Toliman (), and Proxima Centauri (). Proxima Centauri ...
system. TOLIMAN will focus on stars within 10
parsec
The parsec (symbol: pc) is a unit of length used to measure the large distances to astronomical objects outside the Solar System, approximately equal to or (AU), i.e. . The parsec unit is obtained by the use of parallax and trigonometry, and ...
s (32.6 light years) of the Sun. The telescope is still under construction. The mission will involve scientists of the
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney (USYD) is a public university, public research university in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in both Australia and Oceania. One of Australia's six sandstone universities, it was one of the ...
,
Saber Astronautics in Australia,
Breakthrough Initiatives
Breakthrough Initiatives is a science-based program founded in 2015 and funded by Julia and Yuri Milner, also of Breakthrough Prize, to search for extraterrestrial intelligence over a span of at least 10 years. The program is divided into multip ...
, and NASA's
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a Federally funded research and development centers, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) in La Cañada Flintridge, California, Crescenta Valley, United States. Founded in 1936 by Cali ...
.
TOLIMAN will explore all three components of the Alpha Centauri system in search of planets in the habitable zone.
TOLIMAN is planned to be launched in 2026.
See also
*
Toliman, a nearby star also known as Alpha Centauri B
References
External links
About the project at Breakthrough Initiatives
Exoplanet search projects
Proposed NASA space probes
Space astrometry missions
Space telescopes
Alpha Centauri
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