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[–] luddite 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago 

very cool.

the work is also a successful proof-of-concept demonstration of an new technique for exoplanet detection...

As the method does not depend on viewing an exoplanetary transit, it could be used to study many more exoplanets directly in visible light, revealing previously undetected characteristics such as their actual mass.

If I understand it correctly, modern exo-planet detection only works well when the plane of orbit is nearly perpendicular to us. I wonder if this method could be used for detection as well as study of existing exo-planets? There have to be plenty of candidate stars undetected atm because their planetary system isn't oriented "edge-on".

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[–] burtzev [S] 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago 

I'm sure that both radial velocity and photometric methods work 'best' from edge on, but I don't think an orbital incline makes detection impossible.

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[–] luddite 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago 

I think the method that measures perturbation of the star by gravity works from any angle, but is less sensitive?