A technique for directly photographing exoplanets and other faint objects by blocking out the overwhelming light from nearby bright sources like stars. This method allows astronomers to study the properties of these objects without relying on indirect detection methods.
The term combines 'direct' from Latin 'directus' (straight, unmediated) with 'imaging' from Latin 'imago' (likeness, picture). It emerged in the late 20th century as astronomers distinguished this challenging technique from indirect methods like transit photometry or radial velocity measurements.
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