Researchers have developed new software that improves exoplanet imaging from the James Webb Space Telescope by better modeling point spread function variations caused by telescope hardware imperfections and pointing noise. The approach optimizes a physical model of the telescope to reduce noise from coronagraph limitations, enabling clearer direct imaging of exoplanets alongside their much brighter host stars.
Background
The James Webb Space Telescope has been a transformative instrument for exoplanet research since its 2022 deployment, but directly imaging Earth-like planets remains challenging due to the extreme brightness contrast between stars and their planets. Coronagraphs block stellar light but are limited by optical imperfections and pointing variability.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Nov 6, 2026 at 03:59 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10