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Credit & Copyright: Lynette Cook
Explanation:
Yesterday, astronomers
announced the discovery of the first system
of planets around a normal star other than
our Sun.
Previously, only
single planet star systems had been found.
Subtle changes in the wobble of Upsilon Andromedae, a Sun-like star in the constellation of Andromeda, allowed astronomers led by
R. Paul Butler
(AAO) and
Geoffrey W. Marcy
(SFSU
/UCB)
to make the breakthrough.
This star system is quite different from our own
Solar System, however.
All three detected planets have masses near or above
Jupiter. The
discovery implies that
multiple-planet systems
are quite common, increasing speculation that
life-bearing planets similar to
Earth may one day be found.
The
drawing above is an artist's depiction of the
Upsilon Andromedae system and its innermost planet.
This planet orbits unexpectedly close to its parent star.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: CCD - Solar System
Publications with words: CCD - Solar System
See also: