Abstract
ISO, the Infrared Space Observatory, was launched on 17 November 1995. ISO was not suitable for directly detecting exoplanets due to its low angular resolution and not high enough infrared sensitivity. ISO’s strength was in its high resolution spectroscopy and its capability to observe in as yet unseen wavelengths. A lot of its wealth of scientific data been returned are of significance to exoplanetary research and astrobiology. Examples are data on substellar mass objects (brown dwarfs), circumstellar discs and studies of objects in the Solar System with astrobiological importance such as Europa and Titan. Also its observation of the interstellar medium, star formation and comets contribute to understanding better the molecular reprocessing in planetary systems and formation of such a system. Already several brown dwarfs and their spectra and new circumstellar disks were observed with ISO. Most directly applicable to the field are the discovery of a Vega-disk surrounding a star (ρ1 Cnc) around which a hot jupiter was discovered earlier. Another remarkable result is the discovery of a planet-forming disk around a dying star. Some of the findings of ISO will be of immediate importance for a life- and planet-searching project such as Darwin.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
