KLD7
Keynote (ODAA): Keeping Time for Ariel: a global collaboration to preserve the transit ephemerides of a thousand worlds
Conveners:
Nimisha Verma,
Marc Delcroix
FRI-OB1 |
Fri, 12 Sep, 08:55–09:20 (EEST) Room Jupiter (Hall A)
Fri, 08:55
Abstract
In the new era of exoplanet characterisation, keeping track of a planet’s transit time is like catching a train without a timetable: miss one, and you risk missing the science entirely. As transit timing uncertainties grow linearly with each unobserved epoch, many worlds are already drifting beyond the thresholds needed for space and large ground-based follow-up. For ESA’s upcoming Ariel mission, which is set to launch in 2029 to survey the atmospheres of a thousand exoplanets, scheduling is a critical challenge; and without accurate, up-to-date ephemerides, prime targets could be lost before the spacecraft ever turns its gaze toward them.
This talk will highlight how the ExoClock project, born as part of Ariel’s Ephemerides Working Group, has turned this logistical challenge into a global collaboration and public engagement opportunity. By merging data from the literature, space missions, professional observatories, and a dedicated network of ground-based observers – from amateur astronomers and student groups to professional facilities – ExoClock maintains a continuously updated catalogue of transit ephemerides through an open, collaborative platform in support of Ariel and ensuring for hundreds of planetary systems remain on schedule.
Drawing from my own involvement in the project, I will spotlight the contributions of the Sabadell Astronomical Society team: a small group consisting mostly of amateur astronomers and early-careers working within the Europlanet Telescope Network. Our efforts focus on making sure high-quality transit light curves are also obtained for challenging, low signal-to-noise targets, using meter-class facilities such as the IAC80 in Tenerife, the 1.23m telescope in Calar Alto, and the Joan Oró Telescope in Montsec through competitive observing calls.
Beyond the technical achievement, this is a story of how diverse participants, from students to trained amateurs, are making indispensable contributions to space missions. It is a case study in how planetary science thrives when it is open, collaborative, and inclusive: bridging continents, cultures, and career stages to prepare for one of the most ambitious exoplanet missions yet.