One small part of SPHERE

This is a small part of the Spectro Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet Research instrument (SPHERE) which has one of the most exciting and challenging aims in modern astronomy; the direct imaging and spectral characterisation of exoplanets.

This particular instrument is a visible imaging polarimeter (ZIMPOL, Zurich Imaging Polarimeter) which should provide better contrast performance. To read more about it see issue 149 of The Messenger.