Exoplanets with the ELT (ExoELT2026): Exploiting Synergies Within the Italian Community

Scientific Rationale

The upcoming European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will mark a transformative milestone in the study of exoplanets, enabling observations at unprecedented angular resolution and sensitivity. With the construction of the telescope advancing rapidly and the development of its first-light instruments entering a mature phase, it is time for the Italian scientific community to consolidate its strategies and scientific goals.

This workshop aims to bring together researchers from across Italy to coordinate and discuss future studies of exoplanets with the ELT. We will cover the full spectrum of exoplanetary science, from the formation and early evolution of planetary systems to the spectral and physical characterization of mature exoplanets. ELT observations will be crucial to probe planet-disk interactions, detect forming planets, and measure key atmospheric and structural properties with unprecedented detail.

The science return of ELT will be significantly enhanced through synergies with complementary facilities such as Gaia (astrometry), PLATO (transiting exoplanets and stellar characterization) ARIEL (atmospheric spectroscopy) and ground-based observatories. These combined efforts will enable a comprehensive, multi-technique approach to studying planetary systems.

This conference provides an opportunity to align national efforts, foster collaboration, and prepare a cohesive Italian contribution to one of the most exciting frontiers in modern astronomy.

Preliminary agenda / topics of discussion include:

• Introduction to ELT instrumentation
• Report of exoplanets working groups with MORFEO-MICADO, ANDES, and PCS
• Ongoing surveys: lessons learned and future perspectives with ELT
• Synergy and complementarity with space-based facilities: Gaia, PLATO, ARIEL, HWO
• Tools, simulators, pre- and post-processing techniques – presentations and hands-on sessions
• Feedback and future work

We recommend booking accommodation early. The workshop will open on Monday at 2:00 PM and close on Friday at 12:00 PM.

Registration deadline: 19th September, 2025

Daycare service 

Organizers

SOC
Davide Fedele – INAF OAA
Silvano Desidera – INAF OAPd
Lorenzo Pino – INAF OAA

LOC
Gabriella Deconi
Ilaria Carleo
Tomas De Avezedo Silva
Cecilia Lazzoni
Francesco Maio

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