The Search for Extrasolar Planets

Since it appears the conditions for planet formation are common, we’d like to know how many solar systems there are, and what they look like.

Indirect Methods:

1) Doppler shift of the star’s orbit

this is the main one so far

2) Astrometric wobble of the star’s orbit

Semi-direct Methods:

1) Transits (light blocked by the planet)

might also see phases

2) Microlensing (planet’s gravity)

Direct Methods:

1) Planet imaged directly (perhaps with coronograph)

reflected or emitted (IR or radio) light

2) Planet imaged by interferometer