Science and Exploration

Hubble’s Universe Unfiltered: Planet Discoveries Revisited

By Marc Boucher
Status Report
August 6, 2013
Filed under , ,
Hubble’s Universe Unfiltered: Planet Discoveries Revisited
Exoplanet illustration.
STScI

The field of extrasolar planets has exploded over the last couple decades, providing an entirely new suite of information on planetary systems in general and perspective on our own solar system in particular.
One of the most exciting advances came when astronomers were at last able to see a few of these planets directly. Even those who maintain “I’ll believe it when I see it” now have visual proof that our solar system is not alone in the universe. However, science advances rapidly, and the discoveries announced only a few years ago are already ripe for an update. Revisiting three direct detections provides confirmation, archival data, and some spirited scientific discussion.

SpaceRef co-founder, entrepreneur, writer, podcaster, nature lover and deep thinker.