Einstein’s theory helps discover new exoplanet

A team at Tel Aviv University and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics has discovered an exoplanet using a new method that relies on Einstein’s special theory of relativity.

A team at Tel Aviv University and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics has discovered an exoplanet using a new method that relies on Einstein's special theory of relativity.

The method looks for three small effects that occur simultaneously as a planet orbits the star. Einstein's "beaming" effect causes the star to brighten as it moves toward us, tugged by the planet, and dim as it moves away. "This is the first time that this aspect has been used to discover a planet," said co-author Tsevi Mazeh of Tel Aviv University.