The Rocky Worlds DDT Core Implementation Team (CIT) at STScI is pleased to announce that, following discussions and a recommendation from the Science Advisory Council (SAC), the exoplanet TOI-1452 b has been added to the Rocky Worlds DDT sample, replacing TOI-406 c.

The CIT estimates that 12 secondary-eclipse observations of TOI-1452 b with MIRI 15 μm photometry, together with HST ultraviolet observations of the host star, will be sufficient to achieve the program's science objectives for this target. The community is encouraged to consider JWST Cycle 6 proposals for complementary and supplementary observations of these targets, as well as AR Theory proposals. The standard JWST Duplicate Observations Policy apply.

This change was driven by detailed CIT analyses showing that TOI-406 c, which lies deep into the “dry” side of the Cosmic Shoreline, would require about 14 secondary-eclipse observations to meaningfully constrain its atmosphere. This time investment was deemed too high by the SAC and CIT leads. In contrast, TOI-1452 b lies just on the “wet” side of the Cosmic Shoreline, is a smaller investment of time, and complements the rest of the sample (see the figure below).

A paper describing these analyses, along with an overview of the Rocky Worlds DDT Program and its target-selection rationale, is currently in preparation by the CIT.

Researchers interested in receiving future Rocky Worlds DDT updates are encouraged to sign up for the Rocky Worlds DDT News Mailing List.   Questions may be sentvia email.

Researchers are also reminded that registration is now open for the Rocky Worlds DDT Workshop, happening in November.