Gemini Observatory/NSF/AURA/J. Lomberg
A Glaring Problem
The main difficulty in detecting smaller bodies in orbit around stars is the central star is often so bright that its glare hides the dim light from the much fainter companion. By focusing on low-mass central stars, this study was able to detect much closer and smaller companions due to the reduced glare from the central star as illustrated in this diagram. This problem of faint companion detection around a bright star is often described as like "trying to see a firefly near a spotlight".
