ESA is looking forward to PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars), scheduled for launch in under a year. PLATO will monitor a wide field for several years, delivering images and light curves for hundreds of thousands of stars. Its goals include detecting terrestrial planets in habitable zones and advancing asteroseismology, with most data becoming public shortly after validation.

ESA now invites Guest Observer proposals for complementary science. The First Announcement of Opportunity opened on April 7th and will close on May 21st, offering 8% telemetry for new targets, upgraded modes, and a proprietary access period. Proposers are encouraged to review the available material, join community initiatives, and submit their research ideas.

You can find out more here.