Doppler spectroscopy as a path to the detection of Earth-like planets

Nature. 2014 Sep 18;513(7518):328-35. doi: 10.1038/nature13780.

Abstract

Doppler spectroscopy was the first technique used to reveal the existence of extrasolar planetary systems hosted by solar-type stars. Radial-velocity surveys led to the detection of a rich population of super-Earths and Neptune-type planets. The numerous detected systems revealed a remarkable diversity. Combining Doppler measurements with photometric observations of planets transiting their host stars further provides access to the planet bulk density, a first step towards comparative exoplanetology. The development of new high-precision spectrographs and space-based facilities will ultimately lead us to characterize rocky planets in the habitable zone of our close stellar neighbours.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't