Exoplanet Maps: Northern and Southern Hemisphere Locations

In summary, exoplanet discoveries are being made through sensitive techniques, but there is currently no evidence of any of them supporting life. New maps have been created to show the locations of exoplanets in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Additionally, there is new research showing that exoplanets in double-star systems can be at risk for violent orbital disruptions, including ejection. These systems are common in our galaxy and exoplanets have been found in some of them.
  • #1
Bobbywhy
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Exoplanet discoveries continue to be made using various sensitive techniques. Since there is no evidence to the contrary none of them are thought to harbor life forms. Here is a new set of maps showing where the exoplanets are located in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/a...cket-interactive&WT.mc_id=SA_printmag_2012-12

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Sweet! Thanks for the link!
 
  • #3
To add complication to mapping exoplanets,

Double-Star Systems Can Be Dangerous for Exoplanets
http://news.yahoo.com/double-star-systems-dangerous-exoplanets-191252268.html

Exoplanets circling a star with a far-flung stellar companion — worlds that are part of "wide binary" systems — are susceptible to violent and dramatic orbital disruptions, including outright ejection, the study found.
. . . .
Two-star systems occur commonly throughout our galaxy; indeed, astronomers think the Milky Way harbors about as many binary systems as single stars. Recently, astronomers have begun discovering planets in binary systems, . . .
 

1. What is an exoplanet map?

An exoplanet map is a visual representation of the locations of confirmed exoplanets, or planets that orbit stars outside of our solar system. These maps can show the locations of exoplanets in relation to their host stars or in relation to our own solar system.

2. Why are there separate maps for the northern and southern hemispheres?

Due to the tilt of Earth's axis, different parts of the sky are visible from the northern and southern hemispheres. This means that different exoplanets may be visible from each hemisphere, so separate maps are needed to accurately depict the locations of exoplanets in each hemisphere.

3. How are exoplanet locations determined?

Exoplanet locations are determined through various methods, including the transit method and the radial velocity method. Scientists observe changes in a star's brightness or movement to detect the presence of an exoplanet and determine its location in relation to its host star.

4. Are all exoplanets shown on these maps?

No, not all exoplanets are shown on these maps. These maps typically only show confirmed exoplanets, which are ones that have been observed and verified by scientists. There may be many more exoplanets that have not yet been discovered or confirmed.

5. Can I use these maps to find potentially habitable exoplanets?

While these maps can show the general locations of exoplanets, they are not necessarily useful for finding potentially habitable exoplanets. The maps do not provide information about the composition or conditions of the exoplanets, which are important factors in determining habitability. Additionally, new exoplanets are constantly being discovered, so these maps may not always be up-to-date.

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