PLATO adds a new chapter to the search for exoplanets
PLATO adds a new chapter to the search for exoplanets
Since 1995, more than 3500 exoplanets have been discovered. Most of these planets are gas giants, similar to the gas and ice giants in the Solar System, namely Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Exoplanets that are similar in size to Earth, have a solid surface and may have water are still an exception. This is mainly due to the limited possibilities for observation until now. The ESA PLATO space telescope will allow the detection and characterisation of significantly more exoplanets in the Milky Way. The image is an artist’s impression of extrasolar planets with different characteristics.
