Could This Be the First Photo of an Extrasolar Planet?

In summary, astronomers may have captured the first direct image of a planet orbiting another star, 2M1207, which is much smaller and fainter than our Sun and located 230 light-years away in Chile. Further data is needed to confirm if the object is indeed a planet or not.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3644410.stm
"Astronomers working in Chile think they may have taken the first direct image of a planet circling another star.
The star, called 2M1207, is 230 light-years away and is very much smaller and fainter than our own Sun."


I'm gazing at this little red dot and here seems so near, but is really so far away...
OK. Do you think that is really a planet?
 
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Here's a more detailed http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2004/pr-23-04.html [Broken].

There's quite a bit going for this one as a real planet ... but, as they say in the PR, it will take another year or two for any significantly different data to strengthen the case one way or the other - how does this object move (on the sky) wrt the apparent parent? If it's not a planet, it will very likely show clear relative motion in that time.
 
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1. What is an extrasolar planet photo?

An extrasolar planet photo is an image of a planet that is located outside of our solar system. These planets are also known as exoplanets and they orbit around stars other than our sun.

2. How are extrasolar planet photos taken?

Extrasolar planet photos are taken using telescopes equipped with specialized instruments, such as coronagraphs or adaptive optics, that can block out the light from the star and reveal the planet's image.

3. Why are extrasolar planet photos important?

Extrasolar planet photos are important because they provide visual evidence of the existence of planets outside of our solar system. They also allow scientists to study the characteristics and properties of these planets, which can provide insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems.

4. How do scientists analyze extrasolar planet photos?

Scientists analyze extrasolar planet photos by studying the spectrum of light from the planet, which can reveal information about its atmospheric composition and temperature. They also use computer models and simulations to interpret the data and make predictions about the planet's potential habitability.

5. What have we learned from extrasolar planet photos?

Extrasolar planet photos have taught us that there are a wide variety of planetary systems in the universe, with different sizes, compositions, and orbital characteristics. They have also provided evidence for the existence of potentially habitable exoplanets, which could have conditions suitable for life.

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