The crucial role of ground-based, Doppler measurements for the future of exoplanet science

TL;DR

Ground-based Doppler measurements are essential for future exoplanet research, requiring extensive coordinated surveys, improved data practices, and dedicated resources to enhance understanding of planet formation and evolution.

Contribution

This paper emphasizes the importance of large-scale, coordinated ground-based Doppler surveys and advocates for improved data management and funding strategies in exoplanet science.

Findings

A survey of several thousand targets over a decade is needed.

Approximately 40 dedicated spectrographs are required.

Enhanced data sharing and analysis will accelerate discoveries.

Abstract

We outline the important role that ground-based, Doppler monitoring of exoplanetary systems will play in advancing our theories of planet formation and dynamical evolution. A census of planetary systems requires a well designed survey to be executed over the course of a decade or longer. A coordinated survey to monitor several thousand targets each at ~1000 epochs (~3-5 million new observations) will require roughly 40 dedicated spectrographs. We advocate for improvements in data management, data sharing, analysis techniques, and software testing, as well as possible changes to the funding structures for exoplanet science.