Planet discovery refers to the process and methods by which astronomers and scientists identify and confirm the existence of planets beyond our solar system, known as exoplanets. This involves the use of various techniques, such as the transit method, where the brightness of a star is monitored for periodic dips caused by a planet passing in front of it; the radial velocity method, which detects changes in a star’s spectrum due to gravitational pulls from orbiting planets; and direct imaging, which captures images of planets by blocking out the star’s light. The field of planet discovery has expanded significantly with advancements in technology and space telescopes, leading to the detection of thousands of exoplanets and the exploration of their properties, sizes, atmospheres, and potential habitability. Research in this area contributes to our understanding of planetary systems and the potential for life beyond Earth.
Scientists at Heriot-Watt University and Cambridge University have made a significant technological breakthrough that will unveil new, undiscovered planets. By developing a laser system called an astrocomb, physicists have enabled…