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arXiv · 2610.31286

The first selection of optimal targets for the Lazuli ExtraSolar Coronagraph's reflected starlight exoplanet campaign

Logan A. Pearce·Ewan Douglas
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Abstract

Direct detection and characterization of exoplanet atmospheres via reflected starlight enables probes of composition of mature exoplanet systems (since flux is decoupled from age) at closer separations than via thermal emission (due to observations in visible wavelengths), and even probes of biosignatures. New and upcoming ground and space-based platforms are enabling these observations for the first time. Recently the 3-m Lazuli Space Telescope, from the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System, was announced, which will be equipped with the ExtraSolar Coronagraph (ESC) designed for reflected light gas giant exoplanet observations in visible wavelengths. In this paper we present 27 known giant exoplanets that make up the first target list for these observations. Our target list spans ages and temperatures of planets not probed before by direct imaging, but some of which will also be accessible to the \textsl{Nancy Grace Roman} Coronagraph instrument and the ELT-METIS thermal imager, providing comprehensive atmosphere characterization and synergies. We discuss the science enabled by ESC observations of our target list and enhancements provided by future astrometric and radial velocity measurements.

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Logan A. Pearce, Ewan Douglas. 2026-10-22. The first selection of optimal targets for the Lazuli ExtraSolar Coronagraph's reflected starlight exoplanet campaign. https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.31286

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