Science Interest Group
Habitable Worlds Observatory
The Habitable Worlds Observatory SIG serves as a forum and focal point for the HWO community.
About HWO SIG
The Search for Earth-Like Planets in Habitable Zones
HWO is a large infrared/optical/ultraviolet space telescope recommended by the National Academies’ Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s.
HWO will be the first telescope designed specifically to search for signs of life on planets orbiting other stars. With a powerful set of instruments, it will also provide a platform for transformational astrophysics.
Habitable Worlds Observatory about The Search for Earth-Like Planets in Habitable Zones
"Inspired by the vision of searching for signatures of life on planets outside of our solar system, and by the transformative capability such a telescope would have for a wide range of astrophysics, the priority recommendation in the frontier category for space is a large (~6 m diameter) IR/O/UV telescope with high-contrast (10-10) imaging and spectroscopy. This is an ambitious mission, of a scale comparable to the HST and JWST space telescopes. It is also one that will be revolutionary, and that worldwide only NASA is positioned to lead." (Text source: Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics 2020 [Astro2020])
Ultraviolet Astrophysics
Ultraviolet wavelengths are important to answer many questions in astrophysics. In addition to being sensitive to optical and near-infrared, Habitable Worlds Observatory will be sensitive to ultraviolet light.
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News & Events
To submit topics for future SIG activities and seminars please use this Google Form!
This seminar will feature an update from the Habitable Worlds Observatory Community Science & Instrument Team (CSIT), presentations on technical capabilities, and time for groups to advertise their HWO-related work and find collaborators. If you would like an advertisement slot…
The 247th AAS meeting (joint with the Historical Astronomy Division) will be held 4-8 January in Phoenix, Arizona at the Phoenix Convention Center. Join us in the exhibit hall at the NASA booth and attend the NASA sessions.
We would like to invite you to our next virtual seminar: Wednesday, December 3rd, at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET / 6:00 pm BST / 7:00 pm CET. This is an excellent opportunity to stay informed on the…
Agenda Topic Speaker HWO SIG Welcome Vivian U Update from TMPO Giada Arney SAG Process Karl Stapelfeldt SAG Highlight #1: UV IFU Emily Witt SAG Highlight #2: Exozodi John Debes Walk on Discussion Laura Mayorga Seminar Connection Join the Seminar
“Inspired by the vision of searching for signatures of life on planets outside of our solar system, and by the transformative capability such a telescope would have for a wide range of astrophysics, the priority recommendation in the frontier category…
Dear Colleagues, We’re thrilled to share draft science cases that will help shape the top-level science goals, instrument needs, and mission architecture for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) — NASA’s next flagship mission in formulation for astrophysics, as recommended by…
HWO SIG Chairs
| Name | Institution | PAG Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Jessie Christiansen | IPAC/NExScI | Exoplanet Exploration |
| Laura Mayorga | JHU/APL | Exoplanet Exploration |
| Joe Burchett | New Mexico State University | Cosmic Origins |
| Vivian U | IPAC | Cosmic Origins |
| Richard Massey | Durham University | Physics of the Cosmos |
| Fabio Pacucci | Harvard | Physics of the Cosmos |
HWO Related Groups
| Group | PAG | Contacts | Group Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OVI in Diffuse Media | COPAG | Sanch Borthakur | Other |
| Spatially Resolved UV Spectroscopy Science Analysis Group in Support of Habitable Worlds Observatory | COPAG | Emily Witt | SAG |
| Exoplanet Demographics | ExoPAG | Rachel Fernandes, Kiersten Boley | SIG |
| Exoplanet/Solar System Synergies | ExoPAG | Vikki Meadows, Kathy Mandt | SIG |
| Exoplanet Reflectance Spectroscopy for the Habitable Worlds Observatory | ExoPAG | Renyu Hu, Ty Robinson | SAG |
| Exploring the Complementary Science Value of Starshade Observations | ExoPAG | Sara Seager, Stuart Shaklan | SAG |
| The Impact of Exo-Zodiacal Dust on Exoplanet Direct Imaging Surveys | ExoPAG | John Debes, Yasuhiro Hasegawa | SAG |
| HWO Red Wavelength Limit | COPAG | Roberta Paladini. Kyle Cook, Benne Holwerda | SAG |
| Exploring Galaxies Throughout the Universe(HWO section of seminar series) | COPAG | Aaron Yung | SIG |
| Planetary Defense with HWO | N/A | Andy Rivkin | Other |
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