Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 8, 1995 TAG: 9510090133
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: The Washington Post
DATELINE: ROME LENGTH: Short
In the past, planet-like material had been found only around dead, collapsed stars, and it was not clear whether they were planets or leftovers from the star's demise. If verified, the unnamed planet would be the first found in a ``live'' solar system.
The astronomers, Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz, made the claim at a conference titled ``Cool Stars, Stellar Systems and the Sun,'' held Friday in Florence to discuss the possible existence of planets revolving around other suns, and maybe even one like Earth that harbors life.
The Swiss astronomers said the planet revolves around a star named 51 Pegasus, which is visible from Earth. The planet cannot be seen by high-powered telescopes because it is all but swallowed up in the intense light of 51 Pegasus. But the nearby planet makes light from the star oscillate, a sign that it is being pulled by something nearby, the Swiss pair reasoned.
Using mathematical calculations, they concluded that it is a planet about the size of Jupiter, largely made up of hot gases. In no way could it support life, said the scientists, who work at the Geneva Observatory.
The body revolves around 51 Pegasus once every four Earth days, they said, suggesting it is very close to the star. Mayor and Queloz observed 51 Pegasus from a telescope in southern France.
by CNB