Planet six times the mass of Jupiter 'spotted' by astronomers
[I found this interesting article in telegraph.co.uk. Read this and post comments if you like: Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/5534891/Planet-six-times-the-mass-of-Jupiter-spotted-by-astronomers.html ] The technology allows astronomers to see planets of Jupiter's mass in other galaxies Photo: AFP/GETTY Researchers from the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) claim it is the first planet to be seen outside of our galaxy. The scientists used a new method of viewing space called microlensing. The method uses a nearer object to bend the light of a distant star when the two align with an observer. The effect of large, massive objects between an observer and a distant planet or star can cause distortion or multiple images as the intermediary object's gravity bends the passing light. Microlensing, by contrast, occurs when a less massive object lies in the middle. The technology allows astronomers to see planets of Jupiter's