Ground-based Telescopes Research Articles

No-Reference Quality Assessment of Extended Target Adaptive Optics Images Using Deep Neural Network.

This paper proposes a supervised deep neural network model for accomplishing highly efficient image quality assessment (IQA) for adaptive optics (AO) images. The AO imaging systems based on ground-based telescopes suffer from residual atmospheric turbulence, tracking error, and photoelectric noise, which can lead to varying degrees of image degradation, making image processing challenging. Currently, assessing the quality and selecting frames of AO images depend on either traditional IQA methods or manual evaluation by experienced researchers, neither of which is entirely reliable. The proposed network is trained by leveraging the similarity between the point spread function (PSF) of the degraded image and the Airy spot as its supervised training instead of relying on the features of the degraded image itself as a quality label. This approach is reflective of the relationship between the degradation factors of the AO imaging process and the image quality and does not require the analysis of the image's specific feature or degradation model. The simulation test data show a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) of 0.97, and our method was also validated using actual acquired AO images. The experimental results indicate that our method is more accurate in evaluating AO image quality compared to traditional IQA methods.

Monte-carlo simulation of the effective lunar aperture for detection of ultra-high energy neutrinos with LOFAR

Ultra-high-energy (UHE) cosmic neutrinos interacting with the Moon’s regolith generate particle showers that emit Askaryan radiation. This radiation can be observed from the Earth using ground-based radio telescopes like LOFAR. We simulate the effective detection aperture for UHE neutrinos hitting the Moon. Under the same assumptions, results from this work are in good agreement with previous analytic parameterizations and Monte Carlo codes. The dependence of the effective detection aperture on the observing parameters, such as observing frequency and minimum detection threshold, and lunar characteristics like surface topography have been studied. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we find that the detectable neutrino energy threshold is lowered when we include a realistic treatment of the inelasticity, transmission coefficient, and surface roughness. Lunar surface roughness at large scales enhances the total aperture for higher observation frequencies (ν≥1GHz\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ u \\ge 1~\ extrm{GHz}$$\\end{document}) but has no significant effect on the LOFAR aperture. However, roughness at scales small compared to the wavelength reduces the aperture at all frequencies.

DEATHSTAR: a system for confirming planets and identifying false-positive signals in TESS data using ground-based time-domain surveys

ABSTRACT We present a technique for verifying or refuting exoplanet candidates from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission by searching for nearby eclipsing binary stars using higher resolution archival images from ground-based telescopes. Our new system is called Detecting and Evaluating A Transit: finding its Hidden Source in Time-domain Archival Records (DEATHSTAR). We downloaded time series of cutout images from two ground-based telescope surveys (the Zwicky Transient Facility, and the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, analysed the images to create apertures and measure the brightness of each star in the field, and plotted the resulting light curves using custom routines. Thus far, we have confirmed on-target transits for 17 planet candidates, and identified 35 false positives and located their actual transit sources. With future improvements to automation, DEATHSTAR will be scaleable to run on the majority of TESS Objects of Interest.

PECULIARITIES OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND DETECTION OF COSMIC RAYS, GAMMA-RAY BURSTS, AND OTHER HIGH-ENERGY SOURCES

The importance of using databases of scientific space missions for fundamental astrophysical research is demonstrated. Based on the spacecraft data and the obtained solutions of the transport equation, the estimates of level of the cosmic rays modulation in the heliospheric magnetic fields were made. Based on the archives of ground-based and space telescope observations in the radio and optical ranges, the radio properties of a sample of isolated active galactic nuclei in the nearby Universe have been systematized. Opportunities that may arise from the databases of future multiwavelength space missions are also considered.

Comparative Analysis of Resident Space Object (RSO) Detection Methods.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in satellite launches, resulting in a proliferation of satellites in our near-Earth space environment. This surge has led to a multitude of resident space objects (RSOs). Thus, detecting RSOs is a crucial element of monitoring these objects and plays an important role in preventing collisions between them. Optical images captured from spacecraft and with ground-based telescopes provide valuable information for RSO detection and identification, thereby enhancing space situational awareness (SSA). However, datasets are not publicly available due to their sensitive nature. This scarcity of data has hindered the development of detection algorithms. In this paper, we present annotated RSO images, which constitute an internally curated dataset obtained from a low-resolution wide-field-of-view imager on a stratospheric balloon. In addition, we examine several frame differencing techniques, namely, adjacent frame differencing, median frame differencing, proximity filtering and tracking, and a streak detection method. These algorithms were applied to annotated images to detect RSOs. The proposed algorithms achieved a competitive degree of success with precision scores of 73%, 95%, 95%, and 100% and F1 scores of 68%, 77%, 82%, and 79%.

Photometric follow-up of the 20 Myr old multi-planet host star V1298 Tau with CHEOPS and ground-based telescopes

Context. The 20 Myr old star V1298 Tau hosts at least four planets. Since its discovery, this system has been a target of intensive photometric and spectroscopic monitoring. To date, the characterisation of its architecture and planets’ fundamental properties has been very challenging. Aims. The determination of the orbital ephemeris of the outermost planet V1298 Tau e remains an open question. Only two transits have been detected so far by Kepler/K2 and TESS, allowing for a grid of reference periods to be tested with new observations, without excluding the possibility of transit timing variations. Observing a third transit would allow for better constraints to be set on the orbital period and would also help in determining an accurate radius for V1298 Tau e because the previous transits showed different depths. Methods. We observed V1298 Tau with the CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS) to search for a third transit of planet e within observing windows selected to test three of the shortest predicted orbital periods. We also collected ground-based observations to verify the result found with CHEOPS. We reanalysed Kepler/K2 and TESS light curves to test how the results derived from these data are affected by alternative photometric extraction and detrending methods. Results. We report the CHEOPS detection of a transit-like signal that could be attributed to V1298 Tau e. If so, that result would imply that the orbital period calculated from fitting a linear ephemeris to the three available transits is close to ~45 days. Results from the ground-based follow-up marginally support this possibility. We found that i) the transit observed by CHEOPS has a longer duration compared to that of the transits observed by Kepler/K2 and TESS; and ii) the transit observed by TESS is >30% deeper than that of Kepler/K2 and CHEOPS, and it is also deeper than the measurement previously reported in the literature, according to our reanalysis. Conclusions. If the new transit detected by CHEOPS is found to be due to V1298 Tau e, this would imply that the planet experiences TTVs of a few hours, as deduced from three transits, as well as orbital precession, which would explain the longer duration of the transit compared to the Kepler/K2 and TESS signals. Another and a priori less likely possibility is that the newly detected transit belongs to a fifth planet with a longer orbital period than that of V1298 Tau e. Planning further photometric follow-up to search for additional transits is indeed necessary to solve the conundrum, as well as to pin down the radius of V1298 Tau e.

A JWST/NIRSpec First Census of Broad-line AGNs at z = 4–7: Detection of 10 Faint AGNs with M BH ∼ 106–108 M ⊙ and Their Host Galaxy Properties

We present the first statistical sample of faint type 1 AGNs at z > 4 identified by JWST/NIRSpec deep spectroscopy. Among the 185 galaxies at z spec = 3.8–8.9 confirmed with NIRSpec, our systematic search for broad-line emission reveals 10 type 1 AGNs at z = 4.015–6.936 whose broad component is only seen in the permitted Hα line and not in the forbidden [O iii]λ5007 line that is detected with greater significance than Hα. The broad Hα line widths of FWHM ≃ 1000–6000 km s−1 suggest that the AGNs have low-mass black holes with M BH ∼ 106–108 M ⊙, remarkably lower than those of low-luminosity quasars previously identified at z > 4 with ground-based telescopes. JWST and Hubble Space Telescope high-resolution images reveal that the majority of them show extended morphologies indicating significant contribution to the total lights from their host galaxies, except for three compact objects two of which show red spectral energy distributions, probably in a transition phase from faint AGNs to low luminosity quasars. Careful AGN-host decomposition analyses show that their host’s stellar masses are systematically lower than the local relation between the black hole mass and the stellar mass, implying a fast black hole growth consistent with predictions from theoretical simulations. A high fraction of the broad-line AGNs (∼5%), higher than z ∼ 0, indicates that the number density of such faint AGNs is higher than an extrapolation of the quasar luminosity function, implying a large population of AGNs in the early universe. Such faint AGNs contribute to cosmic reionization, while the total contribution is not large, up to ∼50% at z ∼ 6, because of their faint nature.

Close-to-fission dumbbell Jupiter-Trojan (17365) Thymbraeus

Context. Every population of small bodies in the Solar System contains a sizable fraction of multiple systems. Of these, the Jupiter Trojans have the lowest number of known binary systems and they are the least well characterized. Aims. We aim to characterize the reported binary system (17365) Thymbraeus, one of only seven multiple systems of Jupiter Trojans known. Methods. We conducted light curve observing campaigns in 2013, 2015, and 2021 with ground-based telescopes. We modeled these light curves using dumbbell figures of equilibrium. Results. We show that Thymbraeus is unlikely a binary system. Its light curves are fully consistent with a bilobated shape: a dumbbell equilibrium figure. We determine a low density of 830 ± 50 kg m−3, consistent with the reported density of other Jupiter-Trojan asteroids and small Kuiper belt objects. The angular velocity of Thymbraeus is close to fission. If separated, its components would become a similarly sized double asteroid, like the Jupiter-Trojan (617) Patroclus.

The Fibre Resolved OpticAl and Near-Ultraviolet Czerny–Turner Imaging Spectropolarimeter (francis)

The solar physics community is entering a golden era that is ripe with next-generation ground- and space-based facilities, advanced spectral inversion techniques, and realistic simulations that are becoming more computationally streamlined and efficient. With ever-increasing resolving power stemming from the newest observational telescopes, it becomes more challenging to obtain (near-)simultaneous measurements at high spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions, while operating at the diffraction limit of these new facilities. Hence, in recent years there has been increased interest in the capabilities integral field units (IFUs) offer towards obtaining the trifecta of high spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions contemporaneously. To date, IFUs developed for solar physics research have focused on mid-optical and infrared measurements. Here, we present an IFU prototype that has been designed for operation within the near-ultraviolet to mid-optical wavelength range, which enables key spectral lines (e.g., Ca ii H/K, Hβ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$\\beta $\\end{document}, Sr ii, Na i D1/D2, etc.) to be studied, hence providing additional spectral coverage to the instrument suites developed to date. The IFU was constructed as a low-budget proof-of-concept for the upcoming 2 m\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$2\ ext{ m}$\\end{document} class Indian National Large Solar Telescope and employs circular cross-section fibres to guide light into a Czerny–Turner configuration spectrograph, with the resulting spectra captured using a high quantum efficiency scientific CMOS camera. Mapping of each input fibre allows for the reconstruction of two-dimensional spectral images, with frame rates exceeding 20 s−1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$20\ ext{ s}^{-1}$\\end{document} possible while operating in a non-polarimetric configuration. Initial commissioning of the instrument was performed at the Dunn Solar Telescope, USA, during August 2022. The science verification data presented here highlights the suitability of fibre-fed IFUs operating at near-ultraviolet wavelengths for solar physics research. Importantly, the successful demonstration of this type of instrument paves the way for further technological developments to make a future variant suitable for upcoming ground-based and space-borne telescope facilities.

Augmenting the power of time-delay cosmography in lens galaxy clusters by probing their member galaxies

We present a simple and promising new method to measure the expansion rate and the geometry of the universe that combines observations related to the time delays between the multiple images of time-varying sources, strongly lensed by galaxy clusters, and Type Ia supernovae, exploding in galaxies belonging to the same lens clusters. By means of two different statistical techniques that adopt realistic errors on the relevant quantities, we quantify the accuracy of the inferred cosmological parameter values. We show that the estimate of the Hubble constant is robust and competitive, and depends only mildly on the chosen cosmological model. Remarkably, the two probes separately produce confidence regions on the cosmological parameter planes that are oriented in complementary ways, thus providing in combination valuable information on the values of the other cosmological parameters. We conclude by illustrating the immediate observational feasibility of the proposed joint method in a well-studied lens galaxy cluster, with a relatively small investment of telescope time for monitoring from a 2 to 3 m class ground-based telescope.

Deconvolution of Astronomical Images using Wiener Deconvolution: Mitigating Ground-Based Telescope Effects and Cosmic Noise

This study focuses on the deconvolution of astronomical images employing the Wiener deconvolution method to overcome the challenges posed by the ground-based telescope’s seeing effect and cosmic noise. Utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope, which is free from seeing effects, we intentionally introduce a simulated seeing effect through Airy Point Spread Function (PSF) convolution. Additionally, Gaussian noise is incorporated to emulate cosmic noise commonly encountered in astronomical observations. The proposed deconvolution method is validated using key metrics such as Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Mean Squared Error (MSE). The Hubble Space Telescope’s unique characteristics, combined with the intentional introduction of seeing effects and cosmic noise, contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of the deconvolution process. Our results showcase the efficacy of the Wiener deconvolution method in enhancing the resolution of astronomical images affected by ground-based telescope limitations and cosmic noise. The validation metrics demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach to restore details and improve the overall quality of astronomical imagery. This research offers valuable insights for astronomers and researchers seeking to optimize image processing techniques for enhanced astronomical observations and analyses.

The Elusive Nature of “Seeing”

Atmospheric image blur, “seeing”, is one of the key parameters that influences the selection of observatory sites and the performance of ground-based telescopes. In this review, the common definition of seeing based on the Kolmogorov turbulence model is recalled. The ability of this model to represent real, non-stationary fluctuations of the air refractive index is discussed. Even in principle, seeing (a model parameter) cannot be measured with arbitrary accuracy; consequently, describing atmospheric blur by a single number, seeing, is a crude approximation. The operating principles of current seeing monitors are outlined. They measure optical effects caused by turbulence, sampling certain regions of spatial and temporal spectrum of atmosphreic optical disturbances, and interpret their statistics in the framework of the standard model. Biases of seeing monitors (measurement noise, propagation, finite exposure time, optical defects, wind shake, etc.) should be quantified and corrected using simulations, while instrument comparison campaigns serve as a check. The elusive nature of seeing follows from its uniqueness (a given measurement cannot be repeated or checked later), its non-stationarity (dependence on time, location, and viewing direction), a substantial role of the highly variable surface layer, and a potential bias caused by the air flow in the immediate vicinity of the seeing monitors. The results of seeing measurements are outside the scope of this review.

Rotational spectroscopic characterisation of the [D2,C,S] system: an update from the laboratory and theory

The synergy between high-resolution rotational spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations is essential for exploring future detection of molecules, especially when spectroscopy parameters are not available yet. By using highly correlated ab initio quartic force fields (QFFs) from explicitly correlated coupled cluster theory, a complete set of rotational constants and centrifugal distortion constants for D 2 CS and cis/trans-DCSD isomers have been produced. Comparing our new ab initio results for D 2 CS with new rotational spectroscopy laboratory data for the same species, the accuracy of the computed B and C rotational constants is within 0.1% while the A constant is only slightly higher. Additionally, quantum chemical vibrational frequencies are also provided, and these spectral reference data and new experimental rotational lines will provide additional references for potential observation of these deuterated sulfur species with either ground-based radio telescopes or space-based infrared observatories.

Comparative Analysis of Image-shift Measurement Algorithms for Solar Shack–Hartmann Wavefront Sensors

Observations of the Sun provide unique insights into its structure, evolution, and activity, with significant implications for space weather forecasting and solar energy technologies. Ground-based telescopes offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for high-resolution solar observations, but image quality can be affected by atmospheric turbulence. Adaptive optics (AO) systems equipped with Shack–Hartmann wave front sensors (SH-WFS) enable real-time image correction to mitigate these effects. The accuracy of SH-WFS relies on correlation algorithms that measure wave front shifts, but reaching consistent conclusions regarding their accuracy remains challenging. In this study, we conducted an evaluation and comparison of standard correlation algorithms (the Square Difference Function, Normalized Cross-Correlation, Absolute Difference Function, Absolute Difference Function-Squared, and the Covariance Function in the frequency domain (CFF)) using simulated and authentic solar images. We optimized the algorithms through pre-processing techniques and carefully selected the most suitable window function for the CFF algorithm. Additionally, we analyzed the influence of various factors, such as shift ranges, bias, and the size of live images on the accuracy of algorithms. The consistent findings revealed that the CFF algorithm demonstrates superior measurement accuracy and robustness compared to the others. Choosing the CFF algorithm for solar observations can significantly enhance measurement accuracy, AO system performance, and the overall quality of solar research findings, thereby providing crucial support for space weather forecasting and other related scientific fields.

Physical Characterization of Moon Impactor WE0913A

On 2022 March 4, the object known as WE0913A crashed into the Moon after several close flybys of the Earth and the Moon in the previous three months. Leading up to impact, the identity of the lunar impactor was up for debate, with two possibilities: the Falcon 9 from the DSCOVR mission or the Long March 3C from the Chang’e 5-T1 mission. In this paper, we present a trajectory and spectroscopic analysis using ground-based telescope observations to show conclusively that WE0913A is the Long March 3C rocket body (R/B) from the Chang’e 5-T1 mission. Analysis of photometric light curves collected before impact give a spin period of 185.221 ± 6.540 s before the first close Earth flyby on 2022 January 20 and a period of 177.754 ± 0.779 s, both at a 1σ confidence level, before the second close Earth flyby on 2022 February 8. Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling and a predictive light curve simulation based on an anisotropic Phong reflection model, we estimate both physical and dynamical properties of the Chang’e 5-T1 R/B at the start of an observation epoch. The results from the Bayesian analysis imply that there may have been additional mass on the front of the rocket body. Using our predicted impact location, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter was able to image the crater site approximately 7.5 km from the prediction. Comparing the pre- and post-impact images of the location shows two distinct craters that were made, supporting the hypothesis that there was additional mass on the rocket body.

Solar Observation with the Fourier Transform Spectrometer. II. Preliminary Results of Solar Spectrum near the CO 4.66 μm and Mg i 12.32 μm

An infrared solar spectrum observed by ground-based telescopes is seriously affected by the background radiation both from the telescope and sky, relative to the visible wavelengths. Its accuracy is also influenced by the spectral resolution of the Fourier transform spectrometer. In the paper, we developed a CO2 gas cell and installed it in the sample compartment to calibrate the spectral resolution of the Bruker IFS-125HR at infrared wavelengths. The measured spectral resolution is 0.00342 ± 0.00086 cm−1 and 0.0059 ± 0.00024 cm−1 at the wavenumbers of 798 cm−1 and 2136 cm−1, respectively. We also updated a fully reflective sunlight feeding system to observe the solar spectrum near CO 4.66 μm and Mg i 12.32 μm. By quickly pointing the sunlight feeding system about 1 degree away from the solar disk center, we are able to measure the background radiation from the telescope and the sky at Huairou Solar Observing Station. After removing the background radiation, our observed solar spectrum at CO 4.66 μm is consistent with that from the National Solar Observatory. The Mg i 12.32 μm working line selected by the Accurate Infrared Magnetic Field Measurements of the Sun (AIMS) project is also identified. Our method is helpful not only for the spectral resolution calibration and background radiation correction of AIMS but also for other infrared astronomical telescopes.

Optique adaptative : correction des effets de la turbulence atmosphérique sur les images astronomiques

Today, adaptive optics (AO) is installed on all very large astronomical telescopes. It allows to overcome the limitation in angular resolution imposed on large ground-based telescopes by the atmospheric turbulence perturbations. This review paper presents the state of the art of the field for astronomical applications. It gives the principles of AO and describes its main components which are the deformable mirrors, the wavefront sensors and the control algorithms. The paper also presents the main recent achievements and ongoing projects. First, for the direct imaging of extra-solar planets by extreme AO and coronography, taking as example the SPHERE instrument. Then to solve the problem of the very limited sky coverage by using laser guide star and to extend the AO correction beyond the isoplanatic patch. Thus, the various laser-assisted tomographic AO concepts are presented with examples of each realization as for the laser tomography AO, the multi-conjugate AO and the multi-object AO. Finally, the challenges of the new generation of giant telescopes are discussed at the end of the paper with a particular focus on the European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) project.

Multiband optical variability on diverse time-scales of the TeV blazar TXS 0506 + 056, the first cosmic neutrino source

ABSTRACT We report the first extensive optical flux and spectral variability study of the TeV blazar TXS 0506 + 056 on intranight to long-term time-scales using BVRI data collected over 220 nights between 2017 January 21 to 2022 April 9 using eight optical ground-based telescopes. In our search for intraday variability (IDV), we have employed two statistical analysis techniques, the nested ANOVA test and the power enhanced F-test. We found the source was variable in 8 nights out of 35 in the R-band and in 2 of 14 in the V-band yielding duty cycles (DC) of 22.8 per cent and 14.3 per cent, respectively. Clear colour variation in V − R was seen in only 1 out of 14 observing nights, but no IDV was found in the more limited B, I, and B − I data. During our monitoring period the source showed a 1.18 mag variation in the R-band and similar variations are clearly seen at all optical wavelengths. We extracted the optical (BVRI) SEDs of the blazar for 44 nights when observations were carried out in all four of those wavebands. The mean spectral index (α) was determined to be 0.897 ± 0.171.

Multiparameter study for a new ground-based telescope in Egypt

ABSTRACT A multiparameter analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of meteorological parameters, night sky brightness and seismic hazards on proposed sites for the new optical/infrared Egyptian astronomical telescope. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) data set is used to obtain the following meteorological parameters: total cloud coverage fraction, precipitable water vapour, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and air temperature. To estimate the aerosol optical depth, we used the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2). Light pollution over the candidate sites was measured using the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) day/night band. In order to assess the seismic hazards for the candidate sites, the seismic input in terms of maximum acceleration and response spectra was computed using a physics-based ground motion approach to assess the seismic hazards and, consequently, the designation of a seismic-resistant structure for the proposed sites. Of the seven nominated sites, two sites are found to have the best measurements and might be considered as future sites for the new Egyptian astronomical telescope. The first site is located in the south of the Sinai peninsula, while the second site is located in the Red Sea mountains region.

Characterization of extrasolar giant planets with machine learning

ABSTRACT More than 5000 extrasolar planets have already been detected. JWST and near-term ground-based telescopes like the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), and upcoming telescopes such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, Xuntian, and Ariel are designed to characterize the atmosphere of directly imaged Jovian planets. Here, we used five diverse machine learning algorithms to investigate how well broad-band filter photometric fluxes could initially characterize giant exoplanets. We use an established grid of 8813 reflected light model spectra of different metallicities, planet–star distances, and cloud properties to assess the performance of several machine learning algorithms on both noiseless and noisy data to provide classification and regression results as a function of signal to noise of the data. In all cases, the algorithms were tested on noisy validation data. The results show that the use of machine learning to characterize giant planets from reflected broad-band filter photometry provides a promising tool for initial characterization, with over 65 per cent accuracy in characterizing metallicity for signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) ≳ 30, over 80 per cent for cloud coverage for S/N ≳ 30. This approach will allow initial characterization for large surveys of giant exoplanets and prioritization for spectroscopy observations of a subset of these worlds.