Meaning: The quote you provided touches upon the challenges of detecting planets that are located at significant distances from our solar system. Murray Mann, a physicist, emphasizes the difficulty in detecting these distant planets due to their dimness and the limitations of existing equipment. However, he also highlights the exceptional cases in which planets can be observed through their gravitational effect.

The search for exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system, has been a fascinating and challenging endeavor for astronomers and physicists. Detecting these distant worlds is a complex task that requires advanced technology, precision, and sometimes, a stroke of luck. The quote by Murray Mann sheds light on the intricacies involved in this pursuit.

The first part of the quote suggests that planets are generally too dim to be detected with the current equipment available to astronomers. This statement reflects the reality of observing celestial bodies that are light years away from Earth. The dimness of these distant planets presents a significant obstacle for scientists who are trying to identify and study them. The limited amount of light reaching us from these distant worlds makes it difficult to directly observe them using traditional methods of detection.

In addition to the challenge posed by the dimness of distant planets, their immense distance from Earth further complicates the detection process. The vast distances involved mean that the light from these planets must travel for many years before it reaches our telescopes. This not only contributes to the dimness of the light received but also makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact location and characteristics of the exoplanets.

Despite these challenges, the quote also alludes to the special circumstances under which planets can be observed through their gravitational effect. This refers to the indirect methods of planet detection, such as the transit method and the radial velocity method. In the transit method, astronomers look for the slight dimming of a star's light as a planet passes in front of it, while the radial velocity method involves measuring the wobble of a star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet. These indirect methods have enabled the discovery of numerous exoplanets and have provided valuable insights into the diversity of planetary systems in our galaxy.

Murray Mann's quote encapsulates the complexities and limitations of detecting distant planets while also acknowledging the breakthroughs made possible through innovative detection methods. The pursuit of identifying and studying exoplanets continues to drive advancements in astronomical technology and our understanding of the universe.

In conclusion, Murray Mann's quote reflects the challenges and occasional breakthroughs in the detection of distant planets. The dimness of these celestial bodies, combined with their vast distances from Earth, presents significant obstacles for astronomers. However, through specialized techniques and equipment, scientists have been able to detect exoplanets through their gravitational effects, leading to a better understanding of the diversity of planetary systems beyond our solar system.