The ocean worlds science case for the Pollux spectropolarimeter
By: Vincent Hue, Bilal Benmahi, Mathieu Barthelemy, Tracy M. Becker, Jean-Claude Bouret, Richard J. Cartwright, Jean-Yves Chaufray, Luca Fossati, Gabriel Giono, Olivier Poch, Ujjwal Raut, Lorenz Roth
Published: 2026-03-13
View on arXiv →#astro-ph.EP
Abstract
This paper presents the scientific justification for the Pollux spectropolarimeter in the context of ocean worlds, highlighting its capabilities for understanding their internal saline oceans and the potential for life. Pollux is a candidate European instrument contribution to the Habitable Worlds Observatory, directly impacting future mission designs for astrobiological exploration.