Yes, it is the Image of an Exoplanet (& others!)

ESO Press Release 12/05 - Full Web Story
30 April 2005

For immediate release
Yes, it is the Image of an Exoplanet
Astronomers Confirm the First Image of a Planet Outside of Our Solar System

http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-re...-12-05-p2.html

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The discovery of 2M1207b, AB Pic b and GQ Lup b/B, all within a short
period of time, bring evidence that new, carefully designed surveys,
using state-of-art instruments on the most advanced facilities, can
provide astronomers with images of planetary companions.

The first image of an exoplanet may now have been taken and confirmed
and there can be little doubt that others will follow soon. The detailed
study of a growing number of exoplanets with different masses and
orbital properties will provide insight on theoretical formation models
and afford a unique opportunity to learn more about how the solar system
formed, hence about our own origins.

Anne-Marie Lagrange, another member of the team from the Grenoble
Observatory (France), looks towards the futu "Our discovery
represents a first step towards one of the most important goals of
modern astrophysics: to characterize the physical structure and chemical
composition of giant and, eventually, terrestrial-like planets."
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Exoplanets a plenty!

Keep searchin',
Martin

--
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