Looking for exoplanets

2001/05/23 Elhuyar Zientzia

• Astronomia

Exoplanets are planets orbiting stars that are not the Sun. With indirect data collected, astronomers have known more than 60 exoplanets, but they have not yet been able to see any in direct observations.

Now they want to demonstrate the existence of two exoplanets that claim to be around a star close to our galaxy. The project has been promoted by American amateur astronomer Frederick West.

The star is a red dwarf called Gliese 876 that is 15 light-years from Earth, that is, very close to the dimensions of space. Both planets have synchronous orbits of 30 and 60 days respectively and are large compared to the size of the star.

According to Frederick, until May 27 exoplanets will be visible for eleven days. It seems that at that time two exoplanets join in the same face of their star and hide 45% of the luminosity of the star.

All amateur astronomers are invited to make observations, as the Planetary Association believes that a good result can be achieved among all. If you want to participate, your website is www.aavso.org.