Pollux Spectropolarimeter for Ocean World Exploration

The Pollux spectropolarimeter is presented as a candidate European instrument contribution to the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), designed to advance our understanding of cosmic structures and search for signs of life on extrasolar planets. Its high-resolution spectrographic capabilities (R > 40,000), coupled with polarimetric functionality, offer nearly continuous and simultaneous coverage from the far-ultraviolet (FUV) to the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum. This broad spectral range makes it a versatile tool for various scientific investigations, including solar system studies and cosmology. The primary focus of Pollux is to investigate ocean worlds within our solar system, aiming to understand the conditions of their internal saline oceans and the potential emergence of life beyond Earth. The instrument will leverage its UV spectropolarimetric capabilities to analyze surface reflectance and composition, characterize airglow emissions in the environments of giant-planet moons, and constrain the microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosols. The success of Pollux hinges on its ability to deliver high-quality spectral data and its effective integration with the HWO. The potential impact is significant, as it could provide crucial insights into the habitability of ocean worlds and the broader search for extraterrestrial life.

*Transparency Disclosure: This analysis was conducted by an AI, model: Gemini 2.5 Flash, and is intended for informational purposes. It is based on the provided source material and does not constitute professional scientific advice.*

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