Exo-Jupiters and Saturns from two Gaia-like missions

TL;DR

Two Gaia-like missions will enable the detection and orbit determination of thousands of long-period exoplanets around a billion stars, greatly enhancing understanding of planetary formation and evolution.

Contribution

This study demonstrates that two Gaia-like missions can uniquely detect and characterize long-period exoplanets, surpassing other planned or proposed missions.

Findings

Detection of thousands of planets with periods up to 40 years

Survey of a billion stars across all spectral types

Improved understanding of planet formation and evolution

Abstract

Detection and orbit determination for thousands of planets with periods up to about 40 years would be obtained by astrometry from two Gaia-like missions, results which cannot be obtained by any other mission, planned or proposed. A billion stars of all spectral types will be surveyed. A comprehensive knowledge about heavy planets with these periods, reaching well beyond the snow line of any system, will lead to a better understanding of the formation and evolution of planets, also in the habitable zone.