The Synergy of Direct and Indirect Techniques in Exoplanet Science

For many years, the detection and characterization of exoplanets have relied on two distinct approaches: indirect techniques on the one hand, and direct imaging on the other. These methods have traditionally probed very different regions of the mass–period parameter space, with only limited overlap. Today, absolute astrometry is significantly bridging the gap between these domains. The synergy between direct and indirect techniques is becoming increasingly powerful—and will be essential with the advent of next-generation facilities such as the ELTs. In this talk, I will highlight examples of exoplanet detections achieved through the combination of multiple techniques, and demonstrate how upcoming direct imaging instruments will greatly benefit from this multi-technique approach.