More than 270 planets are known to orbit other stars. 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. A few 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 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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