Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 November 2008
We review the investigation of Super-Earths. After defining this categoryof planets, we briefly defend the paradigm that they may be good targets forthe search of Life, since they may be abundant and all terrestrial conceptsare valid for them.We then describe the scientific benefits of their characterizationby analyzing (by spectroscopy and polarimetry) the light they reflect fromthe parent star. We finally compare the performances of space missions and Dome Capproaches.