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Context. Young stellar systems actively accrete from their circumstellar disk and simultaneously launch outflows. The physical link between accretion and ejection processes remains to be fully understood. Aims. We investigate the structure and dynamics of magnetospheric accretion and associated outflows on a scale smaller than 0.1 au around the young transitional disk system GM Aur. Methods. We devised a coordinated observing campaign to monitor the variability of the system on timescales ranging from days to months, including partly simultaneous high-resolution optical and near-infrared spectroscopy, multiwavelength photometry, and lowresolution near-infrared spectroscopy, over a total duration of six months, covering 30 rotational cycles. We analyzed the photometric and line profile variability to characterize the accretion and ejection processes. Results. The optical and near-infrared light curves indicate that the luminosity of the system is modulated by surface spots at the stellar rotation period of 6.04 ± 0.15 days. Part of the Balmer, Paschen, and Brackett hydrogen line profiles as well as the HeI 5876Å and HeI 10830Å line profiles are modulated on the same period. The Pa line flux correlates with the photometric excess in the u0 band, which suggests that most of the line emission originates from the accretion process. High-velocity redshifted absorptions reaching below the continuum periodically appear in the near-infrared line profiles at the rotational phase in which the veiling and line fluxes are the largest. These are signatures of a stable accretion funnel flow and associated accretion shock at the stellar surface. This large-scale magnetospheric accretion structure appears fairly stable over at least 15 and possibly up to 30 rotational periods. In contrast, outflow signatures randomly appear as blueshifted absorption components in the Balmer and HeI 10830Å line profiles. They are not rotationally modulated and disappear on a timescale of a few days. The coexistence of a stable, large-scale accretion pattern and episodic outflows supports magnetospheric ejections as the main process occurring at the star-disk interface. Conclusions. Long-term monitoring of the variability of the GM Aur transitional disk system provides clues to the accretion and ejection structure and dynamics close to the star. Stable magnetospheric accretion and episodic outflows appear to be physically linked on a scale of a few stellar radii in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Precision radial velocity (RV) measurements continue to be a key tool for detecting and characterising extrasolar planets. While instrumental precision keeps improving, stellar activity remains a barrier to obtaining reliable measurements below 1-2ms-1 accuracy. Aims. Using simulations and real data, we investigate the capabilities of a deep neural network approach to producing activity-free Doppler measurements of stars. Methods. As case studies we used observations of two known stars, Eridani and AUMicroscopii, both of which have clear signals of activity-induced Doppler variability. Synthetic observations using the starsim code were generated for the observables (inputs) and the resulting Doppler signal (labels), and then they were used to train a deep neural network algorithm to predict Doppler corrections. We identified a relatively simple architecture, consisting of convolutional layers followed by fully connected layers, that is adequate for the task. The indices investigated are mean line-profile parameters (width, bisector, and contrast) and multi-band photometry. Results. We demonstrate that the RV-independent approach can drastically reduce spurious Doppler variability from known physical effects, such as spots, rotation, and convective blueshift. We identify the combinations of activity indices with the most predictive power. When applied to real observations, we observe a good match of the correction with the observed variability, but we also find that the noise reduction is not as good as in the simulations, probably due to a lack of detail in the simulated physics. Conclusions. We demonstrate that a model-driven machine learning approach is sufficient to clean Doppler signals from activityinduced variability for well-known physical effects. There are dozens of known activity-related observables whose inversion power remains unexplored, indicating that the use of additional indicators, more complete models, and more observations with optimised sampling strategies can lead to significant improvements in our detrending capabilities for new and existing datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active comets have been detected in several exoplanetary systems, although so far only indirectly, when the dust or gas in the extended coma has transited in front of the stellar disk. The large optical surface and relatively high temperature of an active cometary coma also makes it suitable to study with direct imaging, but the angular separation is generally too small to be reachable with present-day facilities. However, future imaging facilities with the ability to detect terrestrial planets in the habitable zones of nearby systems will also be sensitive to exocomets in such systems. Here we examine several aspects of exocomet imaging, particularly in the context of the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE), which is a proposed space mission for infrared imaging and spectroscopy through nulling interferometry. We study what capabilities LIFE would have for acquiring imaging and spectroscopy of exocomets, based on simulations of the LIFE performance as well as statistical properties of exocomets that have recently been deduced from transit surveys. We find that for systems with extreme cometary activities such as β Pictoris, sufficiently bright comets may be so abundant that they overcrowd the LIFE inner field of view. More nearby and moderately active systems such as є Eridani or Fomalhaut may turn out to be optimal targets. If the exocomets have strong silicate emission features, such as in comet Hale-Bopp, it may become possible to study the mineralogy of individual exocometary bodies. We also discuss the possibility of exocomets as false positives for planets, with recent deep imaging of α Centauri as one hypothetical example. Such contaminants could be common, primarily among young debris disk stars, but should be rare among the main sequence population. We discuss strategies to mitigate the risk of any such false positives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The census of stellar and substellar companions of nearby stars is largely incomplete, in particular toward the low-mass brown dwarf and long-period exoplanets. It is, however, fundamentally important in the understanding of the stellar and planetary formation and evolution mechanisms. Nearby stars are particularly favorable targets for high precision astrometry. Aims. We aim to characterize the presence of physical companions of stellar and substellar mass in orbit around nearby stars. Methods. Orbiting secondary bodies influence the proper motion of their parent star through their gravitational reflex motion. Using the HIPPARCOS and Gaia's second data release (GDR2) catalogs, we determined the long-term proper motion of the stars common to these two catalogs. We then searched for a proper motion anomaly (PMa) between the long-term proper motion vector and the GDR2 (or HIPPARCOS) measurements, indicative of the presence of a perturbing secondary object. We focussed our analysis on the 6741 nearby stars located within 50 pc, and we also present a catalog of the PMa for ≳99% of the HIPPARCOS catalog (≈117 000 stars). Results. 30% of the stars studied present a PMa greater than 3σ. The PMa allows us to detect orbiting companions, or set stringent limits on their presence. We present a few illustrations of the PMa analysis to interesting targets. We set upper limits of 0.1−0.3 MJ to potential planets orbiting Proxima between 1 and 10 au (Porb = 3 to 100 years). We confirm that Proxima is gravitationally bound to α Cen. We recover the masses of the known companions of ϵ Eri, ϵ Ind, Ross 614 and β Pic. We also detect the signature of a possible planet of a few Jovian masses orbiting τ Ceti. Conclusions. Based on only 22 months of data, the GDR2 has limitations. But its combination with the HIPPARCOS catalog results in very high accuracy PMa vectors, that already enable us to set valuable constraints on the binarity of nearby objects. The detection of tangential velocity anomalies at a median accuracy of σ(ΔvT) = 1.0 m s−1 per parsec of distance is already possible with the GDR2. This type of analysis opens the possibility to identify long period orbital companions otherwise inaccessible. For long orbital periods, Gaia's complementarity to radial velocity and transit techniques (that are more sensitive to short orbital periods) already appears to be remarkably powerful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We fit a log-normal function to the M-dwarf orbital surface density distribution of gas giant planets, over the mass range 1–10 times that of Jupiter, from 0.07 to 400 AU. Methods. We used a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach to explore the likelihoods of various parameter values consistent with point estimates of the data given our assumed functional form. Results. This fit is consistent with radial velocity, microlensing, and direct-imaging observations, is well-motivated from theoretical and phenomenological points of view, and predicts results of future surveys. We present probability distributions for each parameter and a maximum likelihood estimate solution. Conclusions. We suggest that this function makes more physical sense than other widely used functions, and we explore the implications of our results on the design of future exoplanet surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of systems harboring a debris disk show evidence for a double belt architecture. One hypothesis for explaining the gap between the debris belts in these disks is the presence of one or more planets dynamically carving it. For this reason these disks represent prime targets for searching planets using direct imaging instruments, like the Spectro-Polarimetric High-constrast Exoplanet Research (SPHERE) at the Very Large Telescope. Aims. The goal of this work is to investigate this scenario in systems harboring debris disks divided into two components, placed, respectively, in the inner and outer parts of the system. All the targets in the sample were observed with the SPHERE instrument, which performs highcontrast direct imaging, during the SHINE guaranteed time observations. Positions of the inner and outer belts were estimated by spectral energy distribution fitting of the infrared excesses or, when available, from resolved images of the disk. Very few planets have been observed so far in debris disks gaps and we intended to test if such non-detections depend on the observational limits of the present instruments. This aim is achieved by deriving theoretical predictions of masses, eccentricities and semi-major axes of planets able to open the observed gaps and comparing such parameters with detection limits obtained with SPHERE. Methods. The relation between the gap and the planet is due to the chaotic zone neighboring the orbit of the planet. The radial extent of this zone depends on the mass ratio between the planet and the star, on the semi-major axis and on the eccentricity of the planet and it can be estimated analytically. We first tested the di erent analytical predictions using a numerical tool for the detection of chaotic behavior and then selected the best formula for estimating a planet's physical and dynamical properties required to open the observed gap. We then apply the formalism to the case of one single planet on a circular or eccentric orbit. We then consider multi-planetary systems: two and three equal-mass planets on circular orbits and two equal-mass planets on eccentric orbits in a packed configuration. As a final step, we compare each couple of values (Mp, ap), derived from the dynamical analysis of single and multiple planetary models, with the detection limits obtained with SPHERE. Results. For one single planet on a circular orbit we obtain conclusive results that allow us to exclude such a hypothesis since in most cases this configuration requires massive planets which should have been detected by our observations. Unsatisfactory is also the case of one single planet on an eccentric orbit for which we obtained high masses and/or eccentricities which are still at odds with observations. Introducing multi planetary architectures is encouraging because for the case of three packed equal-mass planets on circular orbits we obtain quite low masses for the perturbing planets which would remain undetected by our SPHERE observations. The case of two equal-mass planets on eccentric orbits is also of interest since it suggests the possible presence of planets with masses lower than the detection limits and with moderate eccentricity. Our results show that the apparent lack of planets in gaps between double belts could be explained by the presence of a system of two or more planets possibly of low mass and on eccentric orbits whose sizes are below the present detection limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. A first characterization of extrasolar planets by the observational determination of the radius has recently been achieved for a large number of planets. For some planets, a measurement of the luminosity has also been possible, with many more directly imaged planets expected in the near future. The statistical characterization of exoplanets through their mass-radius and mass-luminosity diagram is becoming possible. This is for planet formation and evolution theory of similar importance as the mass-distance diagram. Aims. Our aim is to extend our planet-formation model into a coupled formation and evolution model. We want to calculate from one single model in a self-consistent way all basic quantities describing a planet: its mass, semimajor axis, composition, radius, and luminosity. We then want to use this model for population synthesis calculations. Methods. In this and a companion paper, we show how we solve the structure equations describing the gaseous envelope of a protoplanet during the early-formation phase, the gas runaway accretion phase, and the evolutionary phase at constant mass on Gyr timescales. We improve the model further with a new prescription for the disk-limited gas accretion rate, an internal structure model for the planetary core assuming a differentiated interior, and the inclusion of radioactive decay as an additional heat source in the core. Results. We study the in situ formation and evolution of Jupiter, the mass-radius relationship of giant planets, the influence of the core mass on the radius, and the luminosity both in the "hot start" and the "cold start" scenario. Special emphasis is placed on the validation of the model by comparing it with other models of planet formation and evolution. We find that our results agree very well with those of more complex models, despite a number of simplifications we make in our calculations. Conclusions. The upgraded model yields the most important physical quantities describing a planet from its beginning as a tiny seed embryo to a Gyr-old planet. This is the case for all planets in a synthetic planetary population. Therefore, we can now use self-consistently the observational constraints coming from all major observational techniques. This is important in a time where different techniques yield constraints on very diverse sub-populations of planets, and where it is difficult to put all these constraints together in one coherent picture. Our comprehensive formation and evolution model should be helpful in this situation for the understanding of exoplanets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stars with debris disks are intriguing targets for direct-imaging exoplanet searches, owing both to previous detections of wide planets in debris disk systems, and to commonly existing morphological features in the disks themselves that may be indicative of a planetary influence. Here we present observations of three of the most nearby young stars, which are also known to host massive debris disks: Vega, Fomalhaut, and ∊ Eri. The Spitzer Space Telescope is used at a range of orientation angles for each star to supply a deep contrast through angular differential imaging combined with high-contrast algorithms. The observations provide the opportunity to probe substantially colder bound planets (120-330 K) than is possible with any other technique or instrument. For Vega, some apparently very red candidate point sources detected in the 4.5 Ìm image remain to be tested for common proper motion. The images are sensitive to ~2 Mjup companions at 150 AU in this system. The observations presented here represent the first search for planets around Vega using Spitzer. The upper 4.5 μm flux limit on Fomalhaut b could be further constrained relative to previous data. In the case of ∊ Eri, planets below both the effective temperature and the mass of Jupiter could be probed from 80 AU and outward, although no such planets were found. The data sensitively probe the regions around the edges of the debris rings in the systems where planets can be expected to reside. These observations validate previous results showing that more than an order of magnitude improvement in performance in the contrast-limited regime can be acquired with respect to conventional methods by applying sophisticated high-contrast techniques to space-based telescopes, thanks to the high degree of PSF stability provided in this environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The eccentric shape of the debris disk observed around the star Fomalhaut was first attributed to Fom b, a companion detected near the belt inner edge, but new constraints on its orbit revealed that it is belt-crossing, highly eccentric (e ~ 0.6-0.9), and can hardly account for the shape of the belt. The best scenario to explain this paradox is that there is another massive body in this system, Fomc, which drives the debris disk shape. The resulting planetary system is highly unstable, which hints at a dynamical scenario involving a recent scattering of Fom b on its current orbit, potentially with the putative Fom c. Aims. Our goal is to give insights on the probability for Fomb to have been set on its highly eccentric orbit by a close encounter with the putative Fom c. We aim to study in particular the part played by mean-motion resonances with Fom c, which could have brought Fom b sufficiently close to Fomc for it to be scattered on its current orbit, but also delay this scattering event. Methods. We assumed that Fomc is much more massive than Fom b, that is, Fom b behaves as a massless test particle compared to Fomc. This allowed us to use N-body numerical simulations and to study the influence of a fixed orbit Fom c on a population of massless test particles, that is, to study the generation of Fomb-like orbits by direct scattering events or via mean-motion resonance processes. We assumed that Fomb originated from an orbit inner to that of the putative Fomc. Results. We found that the generation of orbits similar to that of Fom b, either in terms of dimensions or orientation, is a robust process involving a scattering event and a further secular evolution of inner material with an eccentric massive body such as the putative Fom c. We found in particular that mean-motion resonances can delay scattering events, and thus the production of Fom b-like orbits, on timescales comparable to the age of the system, thus explaining the witnessing of an unstable configuration. Conclusions. We conclude that Fom b probably originated from an inner resonance with a Neptune-Saturn mass Fom c, and was set on its current orbit by a scattering event with Fomc. Since Fomb could not have formed from material in resonance, our scenario also hints at former migration processes in this planetary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Stars in young nearby associations are the only targets that allow giant planet searches in the near future, at all separations by coupling indirect techniques, such as radial velocity (RV) and deep imaging. These stars are first priority targets for the forthcoming planet imagers on eight- to ten-metre class telescopes. Young stars rotate more rapidly and are more active than their older counterparts. Both effects can limit the ability to detect planets using RV. Aims. We wish to explore the planet detection abilities of a representative sample of stars in close and young associations with RV data and to explore the complementarity between this technique and direct imaging. Methods. We observed 26 such targets with spectral types from A to K and ages from 8 to 300 Myr with HARPS. We computed the detection limits with two methods, in particular, a method we have recently developed that takes the frequency distribution of the RV variations into account. We also attempted to improve the detection limits in a few cases by correcting for the stellar activity. Results. Our A-type stars RV show high-frequency variations due to pulsations, while our F-K stars clearly show activity with more or less complex patterns. For F-K stars, the RV jitter and v sin i rapidly decrease with star age. The data allow us to search for planets with periods typically ranging from 1 day to 100 days, and up to more than 500 days in a few cases. Within the present detection limits, no planet was found in our sample. For the bulk of our F-K stars, the detection limits fall to sub-Jupiter masses. We show that these limits can be significantly improved by correcting even partially for stellar activity, down to a few Neptune masses for the least active stars. The detection limits on A-type stars can be significantly improved, down to a few Jupiter-mass planets, provided an appropriate observing strategy. We finally show the tremendous potential of coupling RV and adaptive-optics deep imaging results. Conclusions. The RV technique allows the detection of planets lighter than Jupiter, reaching a few Neptune masses around young stars aged typically 30 Myr or more. Detection limits increase at younger ages, but (sub-)Jupiter mass planets are still detectable. In the next few years, using complementary techniques will allow a full exploration of the Jupiter-mass planets' content of many of these stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Debris disks are thought to be extrasolar analogs to the solar system planetesimal belts. The star Fomalhaut harbors a cold debris belt at 140 AU comparable to the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt, as well as evidence of a warm dust component, unresolved by singledish telescopes, which is suspected of being a bright analog to the solar system's zodiacal dust. Aims. Interferometric observations obtained with the VLTI/VINCI instrument and the Keck Interferometer Nuller have identified nearand mid-infrared excesses attributed respectively to hot and warm exozodiacal dust residing in the inner few AU of the Fomalhaut environment. We aim to characterize the properties of this double inner dust belt and to unveil its origin. Methods. We performed parametric modeling of the exozodiacal disk ("exozodi") using the GRaTeR radiative transfer code to reproduce the interferometric data, complemented by mid- to far-infrared photometric measurements from Spitzer and Herschel"". A detailed treatment of sublimation temperatures was introduced to explore the hot population at the size-dependent sublimation rim. We then used an analytical approach to successively testing several source mechanisms for the dust and suspected parent bodies. Results. A good fit to the multiwavelength data is found by two distinct dust populations: (1) a population of very small (0.01 to 0.5 μm), hence unbound, hot dust grains confined in a narrow region (∼0.1-0.3 AU) at the sublimation rim of carbonaceous material; (2) a population of bound grains at ~2 AU that is protected from sublimation and has a higher mass despite its fainter flux level. We propose that the hot dust is produced by the release of small carbon grains following the disruption of dust aggregates that originate in the warm component. A mechanism, such as gas braking, is required to further confine the small grains for a long enough time. In situ dust production could hardly be ensured for the age of the star, so we conclude that the observed amount of dust is triggered by intense dynamical activity. Conclusions. Fomalhaut may be representative of exozodis that are currently being surveyed at near and mid-infrared wavelengths worldwide. We propose a framework for reconciling the "hot exozodi phenomenon" with theoretical constraints: the hot component of Fomalhaut is likely the "tip of the iceberg" since it could originate in the more massive, but fainter, warm dust component residing near the ice line. This inner disk exhibits interesting morphology and can be considered a prime target for future exoplanet research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Direct imaging of circumstellar disks at high angular resolution is mandatory to provide morphological information that constrains their properties, in particular the spatial distribution of dust. For a long time, this challenging objective was, in most cases, only within the realm of space telescopes from the visible to the infrared. New techniques combining observing strategy and data processing now allow very high-contrast imaging with 8-m class ground-based telescopes (10-4 to 10-5 at ∼1") and complement space telescopes while improving angular resolution at near infrared wavelengths. Aims. We present the results of a program carried out at the VLT with NACO to image known debris disks with higher angular resolution in the near-infrared than ever before in order to study morphological properties and ultimately detect the signpost of planets. Methods. The observing method makes use of advanced techniques of adaptive optics, coronagraphy, and differential imaging, a combination designed to directly image exoplanets with the upcoming generation of "planet finders" such as GPI (Gemini Planet Imager) and SPHERE (Spectro-Polarimetric High contrast Exoplanet REsearch). Applied to extended objects such as circumstellar disks, the method is still successful but produces significant biases in terms of photometry and morphology. We developed a new model-matching procedure to correct for these biases and hence provide constraints on the morphology of debris disks. Results. From our program, we present new images of the disk around the star HD 32297 obtained in the H (1.6 μm) and Ks (2.2 μm) bands with an unprecedented angular resolution (∼65 mas). The images show an inclined thin disk detected at separations larger than 0.5-0.6". The modeling stage confirms a very high inclination (i = 88°) and the presence of an inner cavity inside r0 = 110 AU. We also find that the spine (line of maximum intensity along the midplane) of the disk is curved, which we attribute to a large anisotropic scattering-factor (g ≈ 0.5, which is valid for an non-edge-on disk). Conclusions. Our modeling procedure is relevant to interpreting images of circumstellar disks observed with angular differential imaging. It allows us to both reduce the biases and estimate the disk parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observed lifetimes of gaseous protoplanetary discs place strong constraints on gas and ice giant formation in the core accretion scenario. The approximately 10-Earth-mass solid core responsible for the attraction of the gaseous envelope has to form before gas dissipation in the protoplanetary disc is completed within 1–10 million years. Building up the core by collisions between km-sized planetesimals fails to meet this timescale constraint, especially at wide stellar separations. Nonetheless, gas-giant planets are detected by direct imaging at wide orbital distances. In this paper, we numerically study the growth of cores by the accretion of cm-sized pebbles loosely coupled to the gas. We measure the accretion rate onto seed masses ranging from a large planetesimal to a fully grown 10-Earth-mass core and test different particle sizes. The numerical results are in good agreement with our analytic expressions, indicating the existence of two accretion regimes, one set by the azimuthal and radial particle drift for the lower seed masses and the other, for higher masses, by the velocity at the edge of the Hill sphere. In the former, the optimally accreted particle size increases with core mass, while in the latter the optimal size is centimeters, independent of core mass. We discuss the implications for rapid core growth of gas-giant and ice-giant cores. We conclude that pebble accretion can resolve the long-standing core accretion timescale conflict. This requires a near-unity dust-to-gas ratio in the midplane, particle growth to mm and cm and the formation of massive planetesimals or low radial pressure support. The core growth timescale is shortened by a factor 30–1000 at 5 AU and by a factor 100–10 000 at 50 AU, compared to the gravitationally focused accretion of, respectively, low-scale-height planetesimal fragments or standard km-sized planetesimals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Direct imaging of circumstellar disks at high angular resolution is mandatory to provide morphological information that constrains their properties, in particular the spatial distribution of dust. For a long time, this challenging objective was, in most cases, only within the realm of space telescopes from the visible to the infrared. New techniques combining observing strategy and data processing now allow very high-contrast imaging with 8-m class ground-based telescopes (10-4 to 10-5 at ∼1'') and complement space telescopes while improving angular resolution at near infrared wavelengths. Aims. We present the results of a program carried out at the VLT with NACO to image known debris disks with higher angular resolution in the near-infrared than ever before in order to study morphological properties and ultimately detect the signpost of planets. Methods. The observing method makes use of advanced techniques of adaptive optics, coronagraphy, and differential imaging, a combination designed to directly image exoplanets with the upcoming generation of "planet finders" such as GPI (Gemini Planet Imager) and SPHERE (Spectro-Polarimetric High contrast Exoplanet REsearch). Applied to extended objects such as circumstellar disks, the method is still successful but produces significant biases in terms of photometry and morphology. We developed a new model-matching procedure to correct for these biases and hence provide constraints on the morphology of debris disks. Results. From our program, we present new images of the disk around the star HD32297 obtained in the H (1.6 μm) and Ks (2.2 μm) bands with an unprecedented angular resolution (∼65 mas). The images show an inclined thin disk detected at separations larger than 0.5-0.6'' . The modeling stage confirms a very high inclination (i = 88°) and the presence of an inner cavity inside r0 ≈ 110AU. We also find that the spine (line of maximum intensity along the midplane) of the disk is curved, which we attribute to a large anisotropic scattering-factor (g ≈ 0.5, which is valid for an non-edge-on disk). Conclusions. Our modeling procedure is relevant to interpreting images of circumstellar disks observed with angular differential imaging. It allows us to both reduce the biases and estimate the disk parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. High-contrast imaging is currently the only available technique for the study of the thermodynamical and compositional properties of exoplanets in long-period orbits, comparable to the range from Venus to Jupiter. The SPICES (Spectro-Polarimetric Imaging and Characterization of Exoplanetary Systems) project is a coronagraphic space telescope dedicated to the spectropolarimetric analysis of gaseous and icy giant planets as well as super-Earths at visible wavelengths. So far, studies for high-contrast imaging instruments have mainly focused on technical feasibility because of the challenging planet/star flux ratio of 10-8-10-10 required at short separations (200 mas or so) to image cold exoplanets. However, the main interest of such instruments, namely the analysis of planet atmospheric/surface properties, has remained largely unexplored. Aims. The aim of this paper is to determine which planetary properties SPICES or an equivalent direct imaging mission can measure, considering realistic reflected planet spectra and instrument limitation. Methods. We use numerical simulations of the SPICES instrument concept and theoretical planet spectra to carry out this performance study. We also define a criterion on the signal-to-noise ratio of the measured spectrum to determine under which conditions SPICES can retrieve planetary physical properties. Results. We find that the characterization of the main planetary properties (identification of molecules, effect of metallicity, presence of clouds and type of surfaces) would require a median signal-to-noise ratio of at least 30. In the case of a solar-type star ≤10 pc, SPICES will be able to study Jupiters and Neptunes up to ∼5 and ∼2 AU respectively, because of the drastic flux decrease with separation. It would also analyze cloud and surface coverage of super-Earths of radius 2.5 Earth radii at 1 AU. Finally, we determine the potential targets in terms of planet separation, radius and distance for several stellar types. For a Sun analog, we show that SPICES could characterize Jupiters (M ≥ 30 Earth masses) as small as 0.5 Jupiter radii at ≲2 AUup to 10 pc, and super-Earths at 1-2 AUfor the handful of stars that exist within 4-5 pc. Potentially, SPICES could perform analysis of a hypothetical Earth-size planet around α Cen A and B. However, these results depend on the planetary spectra we use, which are derived for a few planet parameters assuming a solar-type host star. Grids of model spectra are needed for a further performance analysis. Our results obtained for SPICES are also applicable to other small (1-2 m) coronagraphic space telescopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]