Correction to: Nature Communicationshttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21176-6, published online 10 February 2021.The original version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 1b, in which the... Show moreCorrection to: Nature Communicationshttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21176-6, published online 10 February 2021.The original version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 1b, in which the units incorrectly read ‘AU,’ instead of the correct ‘au’. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article. Show less
In this white paper, we recommend the European Space Agency plays a proactive role in developing a global collaborative effort to construct a large high-contrast imaging space telescope, e.g. as... Show moreIn this white paper, we recommend the European Space Agency plays a proactive role in developing a global collaborative effort to construct a large high-contrast imaging space telescope, e.g. as currently under study by NASA. Such a mission will be needed to characterize a sizable sample of temperate Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of nearby Sun-like stars and to search for extraterrestrial biological activity. We provide an overview of relevant European expertise, and advocate ESA to start a technology development program towards detecting life outside the Solar system. Show less