Inspired by the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Indian scientists have lately proposed a new telescope intended for the study of exoplanets. This program is a component of a larger endeavor to improve exoplanet research in India, which has made great strides recently.
The proposed telescope will make use of cutting-edge methods that are comparable to those used by JWST, which is well known for its capacity to perform in-depth surveys of far-off exoplanets. By directly photographing exoplanets and examining their atmospheres, the JWST has helped to shed light on their makeup and possible habitability. It is anticipated that the Indian telescope will concentrate on comparable goals, employing state-of-the-art equipment to enhance exoplanet detection and study.
Since astronomers at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) started a specialized program for exoplanet detection using the radial velocity method in 2008, India’s participation in exoplanet research has been increasing. Advanced tools like PARAS (PRL Advanced Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search), which was developed as a result of this initiative, have already helped make a number of important discoveries, including the discovery of large exoplanets. India’s skills in this area are further strengthened by the most recent version, PARAS-2, which functions with increased precision and is connected to a larger telescope.
Our knowledge of planets outside of our solar system could be greatly enhanced by the launch of a new telescope made especially for exoplanet research. Indian scientists can investigate a greater variety of targets and obtain more thorough information about their physical characteristics and atmospheres by utilizing techniques akin to those employed by JWST. In the long run, this might help find exoplanets that might be habitable and comprehend how they formed and evolved.
Similar to the accomplishments of well-known equipment like the JWST, the proposal for a new telescope by Indian scientists shows a strong dedication to furthering astronomical research and improving our understanding of exoplanets.
