Direct Imaging of Multiple Planets Orbiting the Star HR 8799

作者:Marois Christian*; Macintosh Bruce; Barman Travis; Zuckerman B; Song Inseok; Patience Jennifer; Lafreniere David; Doyon Rene
来源:Science, 2008, 322(5906): 1348-1352.
DOI:10.1126/science.1166585

摘要

Direct imaging of exoplanetary systems is a powerful technique that can reveal Jupiter- like planets in wide orbits, can enable detailed characterization of planetary atmospheres, and is a key step toward imaging Earth- like planets. Imaging detections are challenging because of the combined effect of small angular separation and large luminosity contrast between a planet and its host star. High- contrast observations with the Keck and Gemini telescopes have revealed three planets orbiting the star HR 8799, with projected separations of 24, 38, and 68 astronomical units. Multi- epoch data show counter clockwise orbital motion for all three imaged planets. The low luminosity of the companions and the estimated age of the system imply planetary masses between 5 and 13 times that of Jupiter. This system resembles a scaled- up version of the outer portion of our solar system.

  • 出版日期2008-11-28