In two papers published Nov 13th 2008 are the remarkable images of a total of 4 planets. In the case of the star HR 8799, Marois et al. (Science express, Nov 13th 2008) 3 planets at projected separation of 24, 38, and 68 AU have been detected using advanced adaptive optics (Chapter 4) in the infrared at the Gemini and Keck observatories (upper left image). Based on emission luminosities and the young system age of about 60 Myr (Chapter 6) these objects should have masses between 5 and 13 Jupiter masses. The upper right image shows the detection of a planet orbiting the young, massive, star Fomalhaut by Kalas et al. (Science express, Nov 13th, 2008). In this case the observation is in the optical band using the Hubble Space Telescope. The planet is within a band of dusty material at about 119 AU apparent separation and dynamical constraints due to the planet interacting with the dust ring (Chapter 3) suggest it is only about 3 Jupiter masses. Furthermore, there is the suggestion of reflected light from a disk of material around the planet itself. The age of direct exoplanet detection and characterization has well and truly begun.