More than 300 planets are known to orbit other stars. With a few
exceptions, these extrasolar planetscannot yet be seen
(though some of their radiation has been detected). Instead, most
are being located by the effect of their
gravity on their parent stars. Some others have been added
through planetary transits when the planets cross in front of their
stars. Many of these stars are visible to the naked eye and
several even carry ordinary names, a growing sample of which
(including a few that require binoculars) are listed in the table
below. Click on them to find labelled constellation photos that
show the locations of the stars, along with descriptions of the
stars and their planets. Technical details, citations of original
discovery papers, and a great deal of other information can be
found at Carnegie and California Planet
Search and at The Extrasolar Planets
Encyclopia, which is a primary source of data for the planets
presented here.
Go find them, and stand outdoors in wonder.
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