High-Resolution Imaging Is the Gatekeeper for Small Exoplanet Validation

High-Resolution Imaging for Statistical Validation of TESS Planet Candidates

A new study quantifies how often high-resolution imaging is the deciding factor in validating TESS planet candidates. Using an automated TRICERATOPS pipeline, the authors computed false-positive probabilities for 443 candidates, then reran the analysis for 264 with imaging data, artificially removing the contrast curves. They found that 72% of 68 validated planets with imaging would fail validation without it, and the effect is size-dependent: 100% of planets smaller than 1.7 Earth radii require imaging, dropping to 33% above 4 Earth radii. The team also statistically validates 64 new planets, four of which are prime JWST targets—but only if imaging is included.