Report of the Ariel Days

Organised annually, the Ariel Days aim to inform the French community about the developments of the mission, and to involve observers on the ground or from other missions in the preparation of Ariel observations (launch planned in 2029). Although presented mostly in French, the presentations were attended by some foreign colleagues involved in the Ariel mission.

The involvement of the community was strong, with about 65 participants, two thirds of them in person. The attached programme gives an idea of the variety of topics covered, with the presentations of the first results obtained by JWST being a highlight of these days.

These days also provided an opportunity to establish or strengthen links with the observer communities, including amateurs with the Exoclock programme. The link with the activities of the Ariel project was ensured by the presence of Giovanna Tinetti from UCL (PI of Ariel).

Future actions following this day concern the scientific programmes discussed during the different sessions, as well as the preparation of the next Ariel School in Biarritz, which will be organised from 11 to 17 September 2023, following the format of the previous schools (2019 and 2021). The theme to be explored during this school was discussed during the open session on the afternoon of 2 February and will be decided and announced shortly.

We would like to thank Giovanna Tinetti, who was present throughout the event, all the participants who worked to ensure the success of our meeting, and CNES, whose continuous support throughout the Ariel mission is much appreciated.