The first real photo of extra-solar planet ?

[toymaker]

How long till we see one ? What do you think the timeline will be based on current and soon to be available technology ?

 

[adzel_3000]

Define photo.<br /><br />Terrestrial Planet Finder is an armada of telescopes that could be deployed by the 2020's.<br /><br />It could image a pale blue dot around another star. Although not a classic photo, this pale blue dot would allow spectra. And spectra would tell us a great deal about a planet's composition: atmosphere and any possible life signs.<br /><br />--A3K

 

[emperor_of_localgroup]

I cant talk about timeline, but that will be another big day for astronomy. Although indirect detection of extra-solar planet is ok, but a real phtographic image of such a planet will sure stir up the scientists. But it all depends on what type of radiation coming out of the planet, specially visible or non-visible electromagnetic waves. I'm not sure if present telescope technology is capable of capturing such radiation. When i was a grad student, I read some papers where it showed there is a possibility of making some holographic lenses with incredible focal lengths. I haven't heard or seen anything since then. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="2" color="#ff0000"><strong>Earth is Boring</strong></font> </div>

 

[toymaker]

A question-are there photos on the web of the earliest attempts to photograph solar system planets ?<br /><br />To me I could accept a pale blue dot <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> But a hazy photo with some shapes visible (like the Great Red Spot) would be fantastic !

 

[adzel_3000]

Most "images" taken to date have been somewhat inconclusive. <br /><br />Here is a brief overview with some links to a recent "image." <br /><br />http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4492877<br /><br />Clear Skies!<br /><br />--A3K

 

[cp28]

We are getting closer....<br /><br />The 'glow' on an exo planet has been detected<br />http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/030522_exoplanet_direct.html<br /><br />