Detect planets in solar systems like ours

[nicoo]

Hi,

With today's technologies, if our exact solar system were at a few light-years from us, could we detect its planets ?

/Nico

 

[Drakkith]

Probably. It depends on the inclination of the orbital plane. If we look at the solar system "edge on" it would be relatively easy, as this view angle allows us to measure the largest changes in the radial velocity of the Sun and would also give us the best chance to see the planets transit cross the Sun.

 

[Chronos]

You could detect the gravitational influence of the planets [mainly Jupiter] at such a distance rather easily. You would need transits to tease out further details.