Direct imaging of multiple planets orbiting the star HR 8799

Christian Marois, Bruce Macintosh, Travis Barman, B. Zuckerman, Inseok Song, Jennifer Patience, David Lafrenière, René Doyon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1411 Scopus citations

Abstract

Direct imaging of exoplanetary systems is a powerful technique that can reveal Jupiter-like planets in wide orbits, can enable detailed characterization of planetary atmospheres, and is a key step toward imaging Earth-like planets. Imaging detections are challenging because of the combined effect of small angular separation and large luminosity contrast between a planet and its host star. High-contrast observations with the Keck and Gemini telescopes have revealed three planets orbiting the star HR 8799, with projected separations of 24, 38, and 68 astronomical units. Multi-epoch data show counter clockwise orbital motion for all three imaged planets. The low luminosity of the companions and the estimated age of the system imply planetary masses between 5 and 13 times that of Jupiter. This system resembles a scaled-up version of the outer portion of our solar system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1348-1352
Number of pages5
JournalScience
Volume322
Issue number5906
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 28 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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