About
EXOHOST – Advancing Star–Disk–Planet Connection Studies
Planetary systems around other stars — exoplanets — are among the most dynamic and high-profile topics in modern astronomy. More than 6 000 exoplanets have now been discovered, revealing an extraordinary diversity of planetary systems beyond our Solar System. Major facilities such as the European Space Agency’s Ariel mission and the James Webb Space Telescope are entering an era of detailed atmospheric characterisation of exoplanets. However, robust interpretation of these data fundamentally depends on precise knowledge of the host stars and their birth environments.
Stellar parameters such as effective temperature, surface gravity, chemical composition, rotation, and activity directly influence derived planetary properties and our understanding of planet formation and evolution. High-precision stellar spectroscopy is therefore essential for understanding the star–disk–planet connection and for linking formation processes to the observed diversity of planetary systems.
EXOHOST strengthens expertise in advanced spectroscopic analysis of planet- and disk-hosting stars, develops and implements modern analysis tools, and integrates Tartu Observatory into major European research frameworks, including ESA mission consortia. By combining methodological development, targeted training, and joint research projects, the project builds sustainable capacity in stellar characterisation and its application to exoplanet science.
By consolidating scientific excellence and strategic partnerships, EXOHOST positions Tartu Observatory as a leading centre in star–disk–planet connection studies in the Eastern Baltic region and as a competitive partner in European exoplanet research, contributing to Europe’s scientific leadership in this rapidly evolving field.
EXOHOST is a Horizon Europe Twinning project implemented in partnership with University College London (UCL), Uppsala University (UU), and the Space Research Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OEAW), ensuring long-term scientific collaboration and integration into leading European research networks.
