Michel Mayor
Resources:
The Kavli Symposia
"Extrasolar planets : The Quest for Earth-Twins"
On the last 15 years some 400 planets orbiting stars similar to our Sun
have been detected. These early discoveries have revealed an impressive
diversity of extra-solar planets. The solar system is clearly not a
typical example of planetary systems in the Universe. The observed great
diversity of orbital properties has led to a major revision of physical
models for the formation of planetary systems.
Several surveys and advanced new instruments are being pursued with the
goal to find Earth-like planets. What are the difficulties and chances
of success ? The search for twins of the Earth is motivated by the ultimate
prospect of finding sites with favourable conditions for the development
of life.
