M. Clampin (GSFC), EPIC Science Team
The Extrasolar Planetary Imaging Coronagraph (EPIC) will provide the first direct measurements of a broad range of fundamental physical characteristics of giant planets in other solar systems. These characteristics include orbital inclination, mass, brightness, color, the presence (or absence) of CH4 and H2O, and orbital or rotational-driven variability. EPIC utilizes a 1.5 meter telescope coupled to a Visible Nulling Coronagraph to achieve these science goals. EPIC has been proposed as a Discovery Mission concept. We present an overview of the EPIC mission concept and discuss the technical benefits of the EPIC mission design.
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.