The discovery and characterization of extrasolar planets has been data-driven:
clearly there
are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophies.
As the demographics of the myriad diverse systems becomes known, we begin
to piece together the larger story of their formation and evolution. Ultimately,
we seek to understand the prospects for life elsewhere in the Universe. In
addition to this scientific quest, 'exploration' also plays a role. In particular,
the nearest star systems provide an opportunity to explore in detail strange
new worlds. The announcement of a planet < 10 Mearth in the liquid-water
zone of Proxima Centari sent shock waves through the community. What is
the nature of this planetary system found in our own galactic backyard?
Could it be habitable?  Here we will review plans to try to image small planets
from the ground in thermal emission around α Cen A supported by the
Breakthrough Watch initiative, including development of new long-wavelength
MCT detectors suitable for ground-based use, as well as plans for the next
generation ELTs.  We will also discuss the power of imaging planets both in
reflected light and thermal emission, and the possibility of detecting the
greenhouse effect in a world outside the Solar System.