Exoplanet Terra Incognita

TL;DR

This paper discusses methods for imaging and mapping exoplanet surfaces using albedo features across spectral bands, aiming to uncover geological, biological, and possibly artificial structures.

Contribution

It provides an overview of techniques for resolving surface features on exoplanets through albedo mapping across spectral bands.

Findings

Albedo maps can reveal exoplanet terrains and geological history.

Spectral imaging may detect signs of life or artificial structures.

Techniques discussed could advance exoplanet surface characterization.

Abstract

Exoplanet surface imaging, cartography and the search for exolife are the next frontiers of planetology and astrophysics. Here we present an over-view of ideas and techniques to resolve albedo features on exoplanetary surfaces. Albedo maps obtained in various spectral bands (similar to true-colour images) may reveal exoplanet terrains, geological history, life colonies, and even artificial structures of advanced civilizations.