How many planets can we estimate in other galaxies?

In summary, there is currently no way to accurately estimate the number of planets in other galaxies, although it is known that there are approximately 200 billion solar systems in normal galaxies. This estimation would require advanced equipment and our current telescopes are limited in their ability to resolve separate stars. The nearest large neighbor galaxy, Andromeda, is about 2.537 million light years away but is gradually approaching our own galaxy. However, despite the distance, some people claim to be able to see that far.
  • #1
davidge
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How far are we from being capable of estimating the number of planets in other galaxies? At least, in any of the nearby galaxies that are already known to us?

Would this require state-of-art equipments?
 
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  • #2
We already estimate that the number of solar systems in normal galaxies is on the order of 200 billion. Do you mean some specific galaxy?
 
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  • #3
phinds said:
Do you mean some specific galaxy?
No. I wasn't really thinking of any particular galaxy.
phinds said:
We already estimate that the number of solar systems in normal galaxies is on the order of 2 billion
Good. I did'nt know that.
 
  • #4
Our nearest large neIghbor galaxy is Andromeda, it appears to be quite similar to the Milky way, but roughly 30% bigger.
It's reasonable to suggest that there could be many planets there, however our present telescopes can just about manage to resolve separate stars.
2.537 million light years (but closing) is a long way from here.
 
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rootone said:
2.537 million light years (but closing) is a long way from here.
Pshaw. It's not that far. I can see that far (or could in my younger days).
:woot:
 
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1. What is the definition of a planet?

A planet is a large celestial body that orbits around a star, is spherical in shape, and has cleared its orbit of any other objects.

2. How do we detect planets in other galaxies?

We detect planets in other galaxies through various methods such as the transit method, which looks for a dip in a star's brightness caused by a planet passing in front of it, or the radial velocity method, which looks for the wobble of a star caused by the gravitational pull of a planet.

3. How many planets have been discovered in other galaxies?

As of now, over 4,000 exoplanets (planets outside of our solar system) have been discovered in other galaxies, and it is estimated that there could be billions more in our own Milky Way galaxy alone.

4. Can we ever visit or live on a planet in another galaxy?

At the moment, it is not possible for humans to travel to other galaxies due to the vast distances involved. However, with advancements in technology, it is possible that in the future we may be able to send robotic missions to explore and potentially even colonize planets in other galaxies.

5. What can we learn from studying planets in other galaxies?

Studying planets in other galaxies can provide valuable insight into the formation and evolution of our own solar system. It can also help us understand the diversity of planetary systems and potentially even the existence of extraterrestrial life.

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