Companion of a Young, Sun-like Star Confirmed . ... Toronto ) Explanation: The first direct image of an extrasolar planet orbiting a star similar to our Sun has been confirmed. ... This sharp infrared image shows the young star's planetary companion positioned above and left of center. ... The discovery image, shown above , was taken in 2008 but confirmed only recently by noting that the planet stayed with its parent star as background stars slightly shifted over time. ... NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...