The ExoClock Project: an open integrated platform for maintaining the Ariel target ephemerides with contributions from the public

The ExoClock Project (www.exoclock.space) is an open, integrated, and interactive platform, designed to maintain the ephemerides accuracy of the Ariel targets. Ariel is ESA's medium class space mission prepared for launch in 2028. The main aim of the mission is to characterise a large number of exoplanets to better understand their nature. ExoClock aims to provide transit mid-time predictions for Ariel by collecting all currently available data (literature observations, observations conducted for other purposes, both from ground and space) and by efficiently planning dedicated efforts to follow-up the riel targets. ExoClock is open to contributions from a variety of audiences —  professional, amateur and industry partners — aiming to make the best use of all available resources towards delivering a verified list of ephemerides for the Ariel targets before the launch of the mission. 

In this presentation strategies, tools and the current status of the ExoClock project will be described in detail. In addition, the first results will be presented briefly and finally, lessons learned and the potential of using similar strategies in other projects will be discussed.