NIRPS Spectrograph Unveils New Discoveries in Exoplanet Astronomy

An international consortium of scientists led by the Universities of Geneva (UNIGE) and Montreal has published groundbreaking results from the Near-InfraRed Planet Searcher (NIRPS), a new near-infrared spectrograph installed at the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) 3.6-meter telescope located at La Silla Observatory in Chile. Officially commencing scientific observations in April 2023, NIRPS has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in detecting and characterizing exoplanets, particularly those orbiting red dwarf stars, which are the most prevalent type of star in our galaxy.

The significance of NIRPS lies in its ability to complement existing instruments, such as the HARPS spectrograph, which operates in the visible light spectrum. Together, these instruments provide unprecedented spectral coverage, enhancing astronomers' capacity to study planetary atmospheres and search for Earth-like exoplanets. According to Dr. François Bouchy, Associate Professor at the Department of Astronomy and co-leader of the NIRPS project, "This new instrument is the result of technological innovations and the fruit of an international collaboration. We are proud of the unique and unrivalled performance of NIRPS and excited by the first scientific results."

The first five scientific papers detailing NIRPS's performance and its initial findings were published in the esteemed journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. Among the noteworthy observations made by the NIRPS team was the detailed analysis of two gas giant exoplanets: WASP-189 b and WASP-69 b. WASP-189 b, known for its extreme atmospheric conditions, exhibited spectral signatures detectable only in visible light. Dr. Valentina Vaulato, a PhD student from the Department of Astronomy and first author of the study on WASP-189 b, noted, "Iron also exhibits spectral signatures in the near infrared. We should be able to detect it with NIRPS too!"

In contrast, observations of WASP-69 b revealed a significant helium gas tail escaping from its atmosphere, providing new insights into the evolution of planetary atmospheres under intense stellar radiation. The precision and capabilities of NIRPS allow for detailed atmospheric studies, which will be vital in understanding the characteristics of various exoplanets.

Targeting M dwarfs, the NIRPS spectrograph has confirmed the presence of Proxima Centauri b, an Earth-like planet within the habitable zone of the red dwarf Proxima Centauri. This achievement underscores the importance of NIRPS in the ongoing exploration of exoplanets and the potential for discovering habitable worlds beyond our solar system.

The development of NIRPS involved contributions from over 140 experts across multiple countries, including Canada, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, France, and Brazil, supported by the ESO. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of international partnerships in advancing astronomical research.

In conclusion, the ongoing work with NIRPS promises to unveil new discoveries and deepen our understanding of the universe. As researchers continue to analyze data and refine their techniques, the implications for exoplanet research and potential discoveries of habitable conditions on other worlds could reshape our perceptions of life beyond Earth. The future of astronomical studies is bright, and NIRPS stands at the forefront of this exciting frontier in science.