High-Contrast Imaging in Space

Many astrophysical observations require the imaging of faint objects or nebulosity next to bright point sources such as stars and unresolved active galactic nuclei. To achieve these observations, several high-contrast imaging techniques have been developed to suppress light from the bright source in optical through mid-IR wavelengths. The operation of telescopes in space has opened new frontiers in high contrast imaging due to their relative stability and location above the Earth’s atmosphere. The astronomical community is using knowledge gained from current space- and ground-based facilities to plan for future high contrast imaging missions in the next decade. In this workshop, we will explore the legacy of existing space-based high contrast imaging from the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. This workshop will investigate how existing scientific observations and coronagraphic techniques may be applied for future observations with the James Webb Space Telescope, the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope, and other future missions to image exoplanets, debris disks, protoplanetary disks, AGN, Solar System objects, as well as other astronomical objects.

Invited speakers will focus on the following topics:

• Protoplanetary disk structure and evolution into debris disks
• High contrast imaging techniques for non-optimal apertures
• Planet-disk interactions
• Post-processing techniques for high contrast imaging
• Low Temperature Exoplanet/Brown Dwarf Atmospheres
• Coronagraph and starshade designs
• Expected science of near-term space missions with coronagraphs
• High contrast imaging of Solar System and extragalactic object

Special WFIRST Coronograph Instrument Workshop 

After the main workshop, there will be a special half-day workshop held the morning of Thursday, November 17 focused on the corongraphic instrument (CGI) on NASA’s planned Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission.  At this workshop, the WFIRST coronagraph teams will present the current design and science requirements for the CGI and welcome community input on potential exoplanet and disk science enabled by WFIRST, coronagraph requirements, and general observing made possible by the narrow field, high-contrast, and spectroscopic capabilities of the CGI. People interested in attending or presenting at the WFIRST workshop should mark their interest on the pre-registration/abstract submission form.