All-Sky Catalogue: Exploring Stars & Planets in 22nd Century

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In a speculative discussion about a story set in the 22nd century, the feasibility of cataloging all stars and planets within 100 parsecs is explored. Participants express optimism that advancements in technology could allow for the identification and study of these celestial bodies, potentially within the next 200 years. The conversation highlights the vast number of stars—estimated at around half a million in that volume—and the challenges of detecting small planets, especially around red dwarf stars, which complicate habitability assessments. The importance of advanced observational techniques, such as astrometry and spectroscopy, is emphasized for accurately identifying and characterizing exoplanets. The narrative also acknowledges the creative liberties of science fiction, allowing authors to invent technologies and scenarios beyond current scientific capabilities. Overall, while there are significant hurdles to overcome in cataloging and studying these celestial bodies, the consensus leans towards a hopeful outlook for future discoveries in astronomy.
  • #31
The previous comment asked about an OWL-like telescope.
 
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  • #32
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...
 
  • #33
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...
I've been waiting for them to update their 100 nearest stars list...
 
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  • #34
Me, too, but the field is currently moving so fast, with so many possibles, probables and confirmed, that even the http://exoplanet.eu/catalog/ is struggling to keep up. Plus there are a zillion follow-up observations to be done. Akin to spectral surveys before those 'fibre-optic strand placed by robot' systems automated the field...
 

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