Direct observation of exoplanets around a Sun-like star remains an observational challenge due to the huge planet-star contrast, stellar perturbations, diffraction and instrument noise. However, astronomers have mastered three indirect detection methods: Doppler spectroscopy; transit photometry; and gravitational microlensing. These reveal clear patterns which confirm the presence of planetary companion(s) to the parent star. Moreover, combining these techniques reveals the orbital and physical characteristics of extrasolar planets (Spaceflight Vol 55 No 3 page 98).
展开▼
机译：由于巨大的行星恒星对比度，恒星摄动，衍射和仪器噪声，直接观测太阳系恒星周围的系外行星仍然是一个观测难题。但是，天文学家已经掌握了三种间接检测方法：多普勒光谱法；透射光度法和引力微透镜。这些揭示了清晰的模式，证实了母星存在行星伴星。此外，结合这些技术揭示了太阳系外行星的轨道和物理特征（Spaceflight Vol 55 No 3 page 98）。
展开▼
