Advancing Key Efforts Through Coordinated Collaboration
The search for and characterization of habitable planets in the solar neighborhood is a major research focus in contemporary astronomy. To further advance the MEAYIN program and strengthen collaborative research efforts, the First 2026 Work Advancement Meeting of the MEAYIN Science Center was held from April 19 to 20 at Room 122, School of Astronomy and Space Science, Nanjing University.
The meeting was organized by Nanjing University, bringing together key researchers from participating institutions of the MEAYIN Science Center, including the China Academy of Aerospace Science and Innovation, the China Academy of Space Technology, Peking University, the National Astronomical Observatories, the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, and the Yunnan Observatories.
The discussions focused on the high-resolution and high-contrast observational requirements of the three major task categories of the MEAYIN program—interferometric detection, nulling interferometry, and spectroscopic characterization. Building on recent progress in observational simulations and data processing, participants conducted in-depth exchanges on scientific objectives, observational strategies, and data analysis methods.
Participants received a series of comprehensive presentations on the progress of the dedicated studies for the MEAYIN program, as well as on interferometric detection tasks, including observational simulations, data inversion, and scientific observations. The reports covered a wide range of topics, including exoplanets, stellar and compact objects, galaxy and cosmology, and high-energy time-domain studies.
In addition, in-depth discussions were conducted on key issues such as interferometric data processing, imaging, and inversion methods. Participants also exchanged views on the preparation of the science white paper, the design of data analysis pipelines, and plans for subsequent research activities.
This meeting further strengthened collaboration among the participating institutions of the MEAYIN Science Center, and helped refine the scientific objectives and observational strategies of the MEAYIN program. It represents an important step in advancing subsequent scientific studies and mission preparation, providing strong support for China’s efforts to achieve a leading position in the international pursuit of discovering habitable planets and to promote the high-quality development of space astronomy and exoplanet research.
Looking ahead, the MEAYIN Science Center will continue to advance the development of its scientific objectives, integrate domestic research resources, and further improve observational strategies and data analysis methods. Efforts will also be made to steadily advance key technologies, laying a solid foundation for the implementation of the MEAYIN program.