A special space mission will investigate how solar flares generated by nearby stars can 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 satellite for observing exoplanets, the so-called shine.
will endure “mauveUltraviolet spectrometer and 6-inch (15 cm) telescope for observing stellar activity Near the Sun, stars such as the Sun typically eject huge 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 in the planets’ atmosphere and sterilize their surfaces.
“By observing other stars that host the planet, 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. declaration.
British company Blue Sky Space said in a statement that construction of the satellite, scheduled to launch in 2024, will begin in November and that the spacecraft and its instruments will be built in collaboration with a Hungarian company. C3S LLC and group ISSPACE In the Netherlands.
The Italian astronomer Giusepina Messila said of the Observatory INAF “It will open mauve It will provide a new opportunity for astronomy and planetary research and provide better access to “ultraviolet” star 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 made this possible for me mauve The close collaboration between the UK and European partners in its construction, made possible thanks to the financial support of the European Commission.
