ABSTRACT

The Space Interferometry Mission PlanetQuest (SIM) is a 9-m Michelson interferometer operating in the visible band. With an anticipated accuracy of 4 microarcseconds (all sky, wide angle) and precision of 1 microarcseconds (narrow angle). These two modes will enable to make fundamental advances in Galactic astronomy, determine the matter makeup of our Galaxy and the Local Cluster, study dark matter halos, decisively define the cosmic distance scale and undertake comprehensive search for planets down to the mass of Earth. The speaker serves as the Interdisciplinary Scientist for SIM and is also the Co-PI of EIPICs, the largest key project for planet search.