Polarimetry on the moon
Themes: Aerospace, Social Impact
Late lab scale demonstration
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
Polarimetry can be a strong tool for investigating exoplanets. Computer models to interpret polarimeter data are required. A polarimeter on the moon observing Earth can validate these models and provide benchmark data.
How?
The polarisation of light that a planet reflects contains unique information about its atmosphere and surface. From the moon, our polarimeter can measure the earth's spectral polarisation variations over time.
When?
We develop Lunar Observatory of Unresolved Polarimetry of Earth (LOUPE). Observing the earth from the moon, LOUPE will provide unique data to validate computer models to interpret future exoplanet polarisation observations.
Dr. Daphne Stam