Planets Outside the Solar System: Theory and Observations (Nato Science Series C: (closed))

The observation and understanding of extra-solar planetary systems has become a very exciting topic that poses challenges to many fields of human knowledge. A few years after the first observational evidence of planets outside the Solar System, this field of research has experienced spectacular developments. One of the characteristics of the field is that it draws together researchers from a variety of fields: astrophysics, geophysics, biochemistry, etc., and opens up new areas for their interactions. This book sets out a synthesis of the advances and points of view of this adventure. Young students, researchers, engineers involved or about to become involved in this challenging quest for extra-solar planets will benefit by reading such a synthetic review.