Detection method
Direct Imaging
Taking an actual picture of a planet by blocking its star's glare.
Exoplanets
How it works
Using coronagraphs and adaptive optics to suppress starlight, telescopes can capture the faint light of a planet directly.
Strengths and limitations
Works best for young, hot, massive planets far from their stars.
Example exoplanets
| Planet | Class | Host | Radius (R⊕) | Period (d) | Distance (ly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1RXS J160929.1-210524 bImaging · 2008 | Gas giant | 1RXS J160929.1-210524 | 18.65 | — | 454 |
| 2MASS J01033563-5515561 AB bImaging · 2013 | Gas giant | 2MASS J01033563-5515561 A | 12.3 | — | 154 |
| 2MASS J01225093-2439505 bImaging · 2013 | Gas giant | 2MASS J01225093-2439505 | 11.21 | — | 110 |
| 2MASS J02192210-3925225 bImaging · 2015 | Gas giant | 2MASS J02192210-3925225 | 16.14 | — | 131 |
| 2MASS J0249-0557 cImaging · 2018 | Gas giant | 2MASS J0249-0557 A | 17.37 | — | 215 |
| 2MASS J03590986+2009361 bImaging · 2024 | Gas giant | 2MASS J03590986+2009361 | 12.2 | — | 383 |
| 2M0437 bImaging · 2021 | Gas giant | 2MASS J04372171+2651014 | 13 | — | 419 |
| 2MASS J04414489+2301513 bImaging · 2010 | Gas giant | 2MASS J04414489+2301513 | 12.6 | — | 393 |
| 2MASS J11011926-7732383 bImaging · 2024 | Gas giant | 2MASS J11011926-7732383 | 11.9 | — | — |
| 2MASS J11550485-7919108 bImaging · 2024 | Gas giant | 2MASS J11550485-7919108 | 12.1 | — | 329 |
| 2MASS J12073346-3932539 bImaging · 2004 | Gas giant | 2MASS J12073346-3932539 | 15.69 | — | 210 |
| KOINTREAU-4 bImaging · 2026 | Gas giant | 2MASS J16262785-2625152 | 12.2 | — | 474 |