A special space mission will study how solar flares generated by nearby stars may affect the habitability of exoplanets in their orbits.
The mission calledmauve”, in 2024 by the company blue sky space A private company is also developing a commercial exoplanet observation satellite, the so-called to shine.
will bear”mauveUltraviolet Spectrometer and 6-inch (15 cm) Telescope to Observe Star Activity Near the Sun, stars like the Sun typically eject massive amounts of energetic particles in the form of collective coronal shells, producing powerful flashes of light known as solar flares. Volcanic eruptions and these phenomena affect nearby stars, as strong solar winds collide with nearby planets, which can suck the planets’ atmospheres and sterilize their surfaces.
“By observing other planet-hosting stars, we will better understand the behavior of our star and the sun and their potential impact on Earth,” said Giovanna Tenetti, professor of astrophysics at University College London and principal scientist at Blue Skies Space. statement.
The British company Blue Sky Space said in a statement that the construction of the satellite, scheduled for launch in 2024, will begin in November, and the spacecraft and its instruments will be built in cooperation with a Hungarian company. C3S LLC and group ISSPACE in the Netherlands.
Italian astronomer Giusepina Messila said about the observatory INAF “It will open mauve It will provide a new opportunity for astronomy and planetary research and provide better access to “ultraviolet” stellar data, which is currently severely lacking.”
Added Marcel Tessini, CEO of the company blue sky space: “I am very excited about the latest science that has made this possible for me mauve The close cooperation between the UK and European partners in its construction, made possible thanks to financial support from the European Commission.