A Glaring Problem

The main difficulty in detecting smaller bodies in orbit around stars is the central star is often so bright that its glare hides the dim light from the much fainter companion. By focusing on low-mass central stars, this study was able to detect much closer and smaller companions due to the reduced glare from the central star as illustrated in this diagram. This problem of faint companion detection around a bright star is often described as like "trying to see a firefly near a spotlight".

Credit:

Gemini Observatory/NSF/AURA/J. Lomberg

About the Image

Id:gemini0205c
Type:Collage
Release date:May 21, 2002, 8 p.m.
Related releases:gemini0205
Size:2126 x 850 px

About the Object

Category:Stars

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