direct imaging

Direct imaging is a method of discovering and observing extra-solar planets, but can be done only for nearby stars, planets orbiting far from their stars (e.g., many AU), and hot (bright) planets and/or cool stars, such as brown dwarfs. It is merely imaging the planet, but generally requires specialized methods to avoid the glare of the star, such as use of a coronagraph. Planets have been observed and discovered using this technique, for example, around HR 8799. Such observation is considered necessary for spotting some types of biosignatures, likely for any that are part of the planetshine.

The phrase direct imaging is also commonly used for other challenging-to-image objects such as protoplanetary disks.