The forum discussion centers on the feasibility of cataloging all stars and planets within 100 parsecs by the 22nd century, particularly regarding their habitability. Participants agree that advancements in technology, particularly in data processing, will likely enable the study of these celestial bodies, with estimates suggesting that up to 300 light years could be explored. The conversation highlights the challenges of identifying habitable planets, especially in systems with red dwarf stars and multiple star configurations. Tools like the Orbital Refactoring Telescope and methods such as transit and radial velocity are mentioned as potential means for future exploration.
PREREQUISITESScience fiction writers, astronomers, and enthusiasts interested in the future of space exploration and the study of exoplanets, particularly those focusing on habitability and stellar classification.
I've been waiting for them to update their 100 nearest stars list...Nik_2213 said:May I mention http://www.recons.org/
"The purpose of RECONS (REsearch Consortium On Nearby Stars) is to understand the nature of the Sun's nearest stellar neighbors, both individually and as a population. Our primary goals are to discover "missing" members of the stellar sample within 10 parsecs (32.6 light years), and to characterize all stars and their environments within that distance limit." etc etc...
And, by extrapolation, improve estimates of population beyond this 'thoroughly known space'...
Their next Solar Neighborhood (TSN) Series report (#46) should appear soon...
FWIW, whatever the source, I'm hoping for better data on tau Ceti 'f', a sub-neptunian-ish / super-earth in habitable zone. At present, orbital plane error-bars put an uncomfortably wide range on mass and probable composition...