One of the most sought-after accomplishments in astronomy may have recently been completed. This is the task of imaging an extrasolar planet. The press release image is misleading in some ways, for instance, the pseudocolor (the "blue" star is actually extremely red, and the "red" planet even more so), but, damn, it seems to be the real deal!
The confirmation will come from the proper motion of the planet around its central brown dwarf over the next couple of years. No, we're not taking pictures of Earth-like planets in close orbit around type-G stars like the sun, not yet, but this is a huge step in that direction. I had no idea when it would happen, either. I thought I'd have to wait for NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder.
Posted by Mike at September 12, 2004 10:32 PM