More than 800 planets are known to orbit other stars. While a few
have been detected directly, most of these extrasolar
planets are being located by the effect
of their gravity on their parent stars. A number of others
have been added through planetary transits when the planets cross
in front of their stars. Many of these stars are visible to the
naked eye and several even carry ordinary names, a growing sample
of which (including a few that require binoculars) are listed in
the table below. Click on them to find labelled constellation
photos that show the locations of the stars, along with
descriptions of the stars and their planets. Technical details,
citations of original discovery papers, and a great deal of other
information can be found at Carnegie and California Planet
Search and at The Extrasolar Planets
Encyclopia, which is a primary source of data for the planets
presented here.
Go find them, and stand outdoors in wonder.
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