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The detection and study of potentially habitable exoplanets is a cutting-edge topic in contemporary astronomy. The National Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for Space Science (2024–2050) has been officially released, identifying “Nearby Habitable Exoplanets” as one of its key scientific frontiers. The Closeby Habitable Exoplanet Survey (CHES) (http://www.ps.pmo.cas.cn/CHES/)) aims to search for Earth-like planets in the habitable zones around 100 nearby Sun-like stars located within approximately 32 light-years of the Solar System. Utilizing micro-arcsecond-level space-based astrometry, CHES will conduct a comprehensive census of nearby planetary systems, determining the true masses and three-dimensional orbital parameters of detected planets, and establishing a complete database of nearby exoplanets.

The CHES telescope features a 1.2-meter aperture and will operate at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L2 for a planned five-year scientific mission. The mission is expected to achieve significant breakthroughs in detecting terrestrial planets within the habitable zones of nearby solar-type stars. With its innovative technological approach, CHES offers unique advantages in the search for potentially habitable Earth-like planets. This research aims to address key scientific questions, including the distribution of nearby habitable exoplanets, whether Earth is unique, and how planets evolve into cradles of life.

BIO

Dr. Jianghui JI is a Research Professor and Director of the Laboratory at Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He is currently Chair of the Planetary Science Committee of the Chinese Astronomical Society and served as Director of the CAS Key Laboratory of Planetary Sciences. He is also a recipient of the National High-level Talent Program.

His research focuses on exoplanets, protoplanetary disks and small bodies in the Solar System. He has authored over 100 scientific publications. He has led several major research projects, including two Key Programs of the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the CAS Strategic Priority Program on Space Science. His research achievements have been selected three times among China's Top Ten Astronomical Science and Technology Advances of the Year and earned him both the Jiangsu Provincial Science and Technology Award and the Natural Science Award. He has also been frequently invited to deliver plenary and keynote talks at international conferences.

Host: Xuening Bai