NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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In Hollywood, the biggest stars are measured by their box office appeal, the roles they get in movies, or by millions of votes cast by the public on "American Idol." But in astronomy, how do you know what the hottest stars are? What makes a star so special it deserves our awe and appreciation?

Some stars capture our imagination because they are the best candidates for planets teaming with life. Others might help us understand the origin of our own solar system, while still others stand out because they host planets that are just plain bizarre.

PlanetQuest asked a number of leading planet hunters to name their most intriguing stars for 2007. Here are their top 10 choices.