Editor's Summary
6 July 2006
The search for a sister earth
It is difficult to observe Earth-like extrasolar planets as they lie only a fraction of an arcsecond away from their parent stars, and are 10 billion times less bright. That does not stop researchers designing ways to search for and observe them. The 'New Worlds Observer', described in this issue, uses two space-craft: a large conventional space telescope and a flower-shaped star-shade parked between the telescope and the target star. The cover simulation shows a sister solar system as it might appear to the NWO. Most prominent feature is a dust ring trapped in orbital resonances with a planet like Uranus. Within the ring are Jupiter and Saturn-like planets. Closer to the hidden central star, planets like Earth and Mars are visible, as is zodiacal light scattered by interplanetary dust. Inset is a familiar Solar System view for comparison. The mission could be flown for a reasonable budget using current technologies.
News: Planet-hunters seek cheap missions
Delayed NASA mission ushers in budget designs.
Geoff Brumfiel
doi:10.1038/442006a
Letter: Detection of Earth-like planets around nearby stars using a petal-shaped occulter
Webster Cash
doi:10.1038/nature04930
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