Can an 18-inch telescope resolve an Earth-like exoplanet?

[kolleamm]

Apparently there's something called the pale blue dot project that needs funding to image an Earth like planet in a nearby star system. I asked them of the lens diameter and they replied that the telescope will use a 18" mirror. Is that enough resolution wise? Seems a little small when you compare it to James Webb or other planet searching telescopes.

 

[davenn]

Apparently there's something called the pale blue dot project

some references to what you have been reading would be good

 

[1oldman2]

This may help put things in focus, Are you confusing
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/voyager/multimedia/pia00452.html

With https://palereddot.org/ ?

 

[kolleamm]

Sorry I think it's called project blue my mistake anyways here is what my question is on.

 

[websterling]

Apparently this is a crowd sourced attempt to develop and launch a space telescope dedicated to finding a hospitable planet around Alpha Centauri.

Join the Search for Another Earth

BoldlyGo Institute

They're currently trying to raise $175,000 to define the project and establish industry relationships. The mission is expected to cost around $50 million and they're projecting a 2021 launch. Seems a bit ambitious to me.

 

[kolleamm]

In my opinion though a 18" mirror is not even close to what's needed to image an exoplanet. I'd like to invest in this but I'm fairly skeptical.

 

[1oldman2]

I see NASA is taking things seriously.
http://spacenews.com/space-act-agreement-to-support-private-space-telescope-project/
"New York-based BoldlyGo Institute announced Sept. 13 the unfunded Space Act Agreement with NASA to support development of Project Blue, a small space telescope intended to search for any Earth-like planets that may be orbiting Alpha Centauri, the star system closest to our sun."