Exoplanet

Definition

An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star outside our solar system. These planets can vary widely in size, composition, and distance from their parent stars.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first confirmed detection of an exoplanet was made in 1992 around pulsar PSR B1257+12.
2. Exoplanets are discovered using methods such as the transit method and radial velocity method.
3. Many exoplanets have been found in the habitable zone, where conditions might be right for liquid water to exist.
4. The Kepler Space Telescope has been instrumental in discovering thousands of exoplanets.
5. Hot Jupiters are a class of exoplanets that are similar in characteristics to Jupiter but orbit very close to their parent stars.

Review Questions

• What methods are commonly used to detect exoplanets?
• Why is the habitable zone significant when studying exoplanets?
• Which space telescope has contributed significantly to the discovery of exoplanets?

Related terms

Transit Method:

A technique for finding exoplanets by observing the dimming of a star as a planet passes in front of it.

Radial Velocity Method:

A technique for detecting exoplanets by measuring variations in the speed at which a star moves towards or away from Earth.

Habitable Zone:

The region around a star where conditions may be just right to allow liquid water to exist on a planet's surface.