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Published online 13 November 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.1224
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Astronomers claim first snaps of planets beyond the Solar System
Images of potential planets orbiting distant stars after decade-long search.
Two teams of astronomers are independently claiming to have the first ever images of planets in orbit around a star other than the Sun — with pictures from one team showing three planet-like bodies orbiting a distant star.
Using the Keck and Gemini telescopes in Hawaii, one team took infrared images of three objects, each 5-13 times the mass of Jupiter, in orbit around HR 8799, a star 130 light years from Earth in the constellation Pegasus1.
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The technology is reaching the stage where detecting impacts between asteroids and extra-solar planets may become possible. See http://www.thespacereview.com/article/761/1
I need the Radius, Mass,Spin rate and Age of the host stars and the mass and orbital rate of exoplanets to confirm as to what kind of system it is.
human mind indeed transcends the infinity of science...
So, how much an acre? And will the current tenants please move? Kidding, but seriously I imagine when we can get out there the various treaties on space will hold up to protect vulnerable worlds and populations about as well as the 1494 treaty dividing the New World and calling for protection of its inhabitants.