04-15-2023, 08:31 AM
"New Exoplanet-Hunting Technique Leads to Successful Direct Image of a Super-Jupiter"
This is an interesting new technique that combines two different methods that are already known that might help find Earth-like planets around other stars. Astrometry (measuring a star's precise position) is used to detect a tiny wobble in a star due to gravitational effects from orbiting planets, and then direct imaging is used to directly observe the exoplanet. The latter requires an exceptional observing site such as Mauna Kea.
"“This is the kind of discovery that really could have only been done from Maunakea,” said Currie. “We are extremely grateful for the privilege of being able to study the heavens from this mountain.”"
"“This is the first of many discoveries from our Keck and Subaru imaging program that uses astrometry to select targets. We already have additional discoveries that will be announced later this year and next year,” said Currie."
You can read more via Keck's press release here: https://www.keckobservatory.org/hip-exoplanet/
This is an interesting new technique that combines two different methods that are already known that might help find Earth-like planets around other stars. Astrometry (measuring a star's precise position) is used to detect a tiny wobble in a star due to gravitational effects from orbiting planets, and then direct imaging is used to directly observe the exoplanet. The latter requires an exceptional observing site such as Mauna Kea.
"“This is the kind of discovery that really could have only been done from Maunakea,” said Currie. “We are extremely grateful for the privilege of being able to study the heavens from this mountain.”"
"“This is the first of many discoveries from our Keck and Subaru imaging program that uses astrometry to select targets. We already have additional discoveries that will be announced later this year and next year,” said Currie."
You can read more via Keck's press release here: https://www.keckobservatory.org/hip-exoplanet/