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Two new rocky 'super Earths' found

1 September 2004

The discoveries may herald a new class of planet outside our Solar System – making the hunt for Earth-like planets more hopeful

Stray star may have jolted Sedna

27 July 2004

A passing star may have kicked the planetoid into its strange orbit, which takes it to the Solar System's edges

Super-hot star caught in death throes

29 April 2004

The gassy and dust nebula around the star resembles a butterfly's wings bisected by an intriguing dark band

Distant planet revealed by microlensing

15 April 2004

Astronomers say it is a victory for the controversial technique, which can detect invisible planets circling distant, invisible stars

Blink and we're gone

22 November 2003

Ancient planet discovery challenges planet-formation ideas

11 July 2003

The planet, which is nearly three times older than any previously known, could also mean planets are much more common than thought

Signs of water found on distant planets

19 September 2002

If confirmed, the "astonishing" discovery will fuel speculation that the Galaxy is teeming with life

Planet formation caught in the act

19 June 2002

Astronomers have spotted planets forming around a young star – further work could improve understanding of Earth's creation

Direct view of extrasolar planet imminent

7 March 2002

By targeting white dwarfs, British astronomers hope to see a planet around a nearby star in the next six months

First image of extrasolar "planet" captured

8 January 2002

Planet-hunting astronomers get their first direct view of a body orbiting a star outside our solar system – but it's a whopper