http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49419466/ns/technology_and_science-space/ Yet another planet is found. Of course, with how many planets that have been found, it's not too surprising. However, this one is a little special, with the fact that its orbiting a binary star system that is also being orbited by another binary system. However, I am a little confused. I understand how astronomers are able to find a planet: you stare at a star for a long period of time, and if it "blinks", "wobbles", or even better, both, you have yourself a planet orbiting the star. But the confusing part is how astronomers are able to get the characteristics of the found planet just out of studying the star. Such as the size, color, and the planet's distance from its parent star. Take this newly found one, for example. It's just slightly larger than our own Neptune. Or TrES-2b, which is the darkest colored planet ever discovered. In fact, its darker than anything we know of here on Earth. So, does anyone have a clue as to how they do this?
One method may be spectroscopy as the planet transits the star. Ok, nevermind- while looking up a quicky wiki for Spectroscopy, it linked right over to this. Makes my life easier...: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrasolar_planet#Detection_methods Seems I was right, though...Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/pl...g-distant-star/story?id=16806644#.UHyYL2ejjiQ
