{"id":484768,"date":"2026-07-22T01:23:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T15:23:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=1003346"},"modified":"2026-07-22T01:23:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T15:23:51","slug":"mapping-alien-continents-achieving-optical-vlbi-for-exoplanet-imaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=484768","title":{"rendered":"Mapping Alien Continents: Achieving Optical VLBI for Exoplanet Imaging\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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1 min read<\/p>\n

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Graphic depiction of the Mapping Alien Continents concept.<\/div>\n
Paul Stankus<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Paul<\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong>Stankus<\/strong>
Brookhaven Science Associates<\/em><\/p>\n

The scientific goal of the proposed work will be reconstructing the image, ie resolving surface features, of an Earth-like exoplanet around a nearby star as seen in visible light. The innovation is in two stages. First, the design of a new kind of nulling interferometer — “dynamic hierarchical nulling” — combining inputs from multiple apertures and capable of separating star light from planet light with contrast of 10^10 or better in the visible. Second, combine the output beams from two such nullers on spacecraft stationed ~100km apart to achieve the required angular resolution using Michelson interferometric imaging; note that the hierarchical nuller preserves the star’s light in a separate beam which can then be used as in interference phase reference. The capability to survey the features of Earth-like exoplanets is perfectly aligned with NASA priorities and sure to excite public interest.  <\/p>\n

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