Strategy for the Detection and Study of Other Planetary Systems and Extrasolar Planetary Materials

Addresses a different opportunity in the planetary sciences - to extend our exploration outward to discover and study planetary systems that may have formed or are forming around other stars.

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This volume addresses a new opportunity in the planetary sciences?to extend our exploration outward to discover and study planetary systems that may have formed or are forming around other stars.


It concludes that a coordinated program of astronomical observation, laboratory research, theoretical development, and understanding of the dynamics and origins of whatever may be found would be a technologically feasible and potentially richly rewarding extension of the study of bodies within the solar system.


Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1. Introduction
2. Basic Scientific Goals
3. Present Understanding of the Origin of Planetary Systems
4. Observations of Extrasolar Planetary and Protoplanetary Material
5. Observational Requirements for Identification of
Extrasolar-System Planets
6. Future Investigations of Precursor Planetary Systems
7. Relation to Other Astronomical and Astrophysical Studies
8. Recommendations
Appendix A: The Large Star Sample Required for a Photometric
Planetary Search
Appendix B: List of Members, Commission on Physical Sciences,
Mathematics, and Resources