Extrasolar Planets and Detection Methods

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the detection and properties of extrasolar planets, as well as their implications for theories of planetary formation.

What are the four primary methods to find exoplanets?

The four methods are: 1) Radial Velocity (Doppler Wobble), 2) Transit Method (Searching for Shadows), 3) Direct Imaging (Taking Pictures), and 4) Gravitational Microlensing.

What is the significance of the year 1995 in exoplanet research?

In 1995, the first exoplanet was discovered orbiting a main-sequence star.

What does the term 'hot Jupiters' refer to?

Hot Jupiters are massive exoplanets that orbit very close to their stars, resulting in high temperatures.

Why is it difficult to detect planets around other stars?

Planets are close to their stars compared to the vast distance between us and the stars, and the starlight is billions of times brighter than the light reflected from the planets.

What properties of exoplanets can be measured?

Properties that can be measured include orbital properties (period, distance, eccentricity), planetary properties (mass, radius, density), and atmospheric properties (temperature, composition).

What impact did the Kepler and K2 missions have on exoplanet research?

The Kepler and K2 missions significantly increased the number of discovered exoplanets and provided valuable data on their orbits and sizes.

What was the first exoplanet found in a habitable zone?

The first planet within the 'habitable zone' was discovered in 2001.

What does the term 'Doppler Wobble' refer to in exoplanet detection?

Doppler Wobble refers to the slight back-and-forth motion of a star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet, which can be detected through its effects on the star's light spectrum.

How do gravitational encounters influence planetary orbits?

Gravitational encounters can cause one planet to be ejected from a system while altering the orbit of another planet, potentially leading to highly elliptical orbits.

What modifications to the nebular theory of solar system formation have emerged from exoplanet studies?

Observations have shown that processes like planetary migration and gravitational encounters significantly influence the formation and arrangement of planetary systems.