Using the exoplanet catalogs: a. Go to the "Catalog" Web page (http://exoplanet.edu/ catalog) of the Extrasolar Planets Encyclopaedia and click on "All Planets detected." Look for a star (in the left column that has multiple planets. Make a graph showing the distances of the planets from their star, and note the masses and sizes of the planets. Put the Solar System planets on the same axis. How does this extrasolar planet system compare with the Solar System? b. Go to the "Exoplanets Data Explorer" website (http:// exoplanets.org \(),\) and click on "Table." This website lists planets that have detailed orbital data published in scientific journals, and it may have a smaller total count than the site in (a). Pick a planet that was discovered this year or last, as specified in the "First Reference" column. What is the planet's minimum mass? What is its semimajor axis and the period of its orbit? Is its orbit circular or more elliptical? Click on the star name in the first column to get more information. Is there a radial velocity curve for this planet? Was it observed in transit, and if so, what is the planet's radius and density? Is it more like Jupiter or more like Earth?

Step by step solution

01

Access the Exoplanet Catalog Website

Visit the Extrasolar Planets Encyclopaedia at http://exoplanet.eu/catalog and click on 'All Planets detected'.

02

Identify a Star with Multiple Planets

Search in the left column to find a star that has multiple planets orbiting around it.

03

Collect Data on Planetary Distances, Masses, and Sizes

Note the distances of the planets from their star and record the masses and sizes of these planets.

04

Plot the Data

Create a graph showing the distances of these planets from their star.

05

Add Solar System Data

Superimpose the data for the Solar System planets onto the same graph for comparison.

06

Analyze the Comparison

Compare the extrasolar planet system with the Solar System in terms of distances, masses, and sizes of planets.

07

Access the Exoplanets Data Explorer Website

Visit the Exoplanets Data Explorer at http://exoplanets.org and click on 'Table'.

08

Select a Recently Discovered Planet

Look for a planet discovered this year or last, as specified in the 'First Reference' column.

09

Retrieve Orbital Data

Record the planet's minimum mass, semimajor axis, and orbital period.

10

Analyze the Orbit

Determine if the planet's orbit is circular or more elliptical.

11

Gather Additional Information

Click on the star name in the first column to see more data. Check for a radial velocity curve for this planet, and if it was observed in transit, record the planet's radius and density.

12

Compare with Known Planets

Determine whether the planet is more like Jupiter or more like Earth.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

extrasolar planets

Extrasolar planets, commonly known as exoplanets, are planets that orbit stars beyond our Solar System. They can vary greatly in size, composition, and orbital characteristics. The discovery of exoplanets has been a groundbreaking advancement in astronomy, providing insights into the diversity of planetary systems. There are multiple methods to detect these planets, such as the radial velocity method and the transit method. Discovering exoplanets helps scientists understand the formation and evolution of planetary systems, as well as the potential for finding life beyond Earth.
For example, the Extrasolar Planets Encyclopaedia offers extensive data on these planets, making it a valuable resource for research and comparison with our Solar System.

planetary orbits

The orbit of a planet describes its path around a star. Exoplanets can have a wide range of orbital shapes and sizes. These orbits can be described by parameters such as the semimajor axis, which is the longest diameter of an elliptical orbit, and the orbital period, which is the time it takes for a planet to complete one orbit. Orbits can be circular or elliptical. Elliptical orbits have varying distances from the star during different points of the orbit, while circular orbits maintain a constant distance.
When studying exoplanets, astronomers look at these parameters to understand the dynamics of the planetary system and how it compares to our Solar System.

planetary mass

Planetary mass is a crucial factor in understanding the characteristics and potential habitability of an exoplanet. Mass influences a planet’s gravity, atmosphere, and geologic activity. There are various types of exoplanets based on their mass: gas giants like Jupiter, which are very massive and have thick atmospheres, and terrestrial planets like Earth, which have solid surfaces and thinner atmospheres.
In the Exoplanets Data Explorer, researchers can find detailed mass data for exoplanets, which helps in comparing their density, composition, and potential for hosting life. Knowing a planet's mass also aids in modeling its orbit and interaction with other planets.

Exoplanets Data Explorer

The Exoplanets Data Explorer is an online database that provides detailed orbital and physical data on exoplanets. Unlike other catalogs, this database focuses on planets with published scientific data, making it a highly reliable source for researchers. Users can find information on a planet’s minimum mass, orbital period, semimajor axis, and more by accessing the 'Table' section.
By exploring this data, scientists can make in-depth analyses of newly discovered planets and compare them with known planetary models. This tool is essential for visualizing the dynamic characteristics of exoplanets and their host stars.

Extrasolar Planets Encyclopaedia

The Extrasolar Planets Encyclopaedia is a comprehensive repository of information on all known exoplanets. This online catalog allows users to explore a vast array of data, including planet mass, radius, distance from their host star, and detection method. The 'All Planets detected' section is particularly useful for finding stars that host multiple planets, providing an opportunity to study their systems in comparison with our Solar System.
The Encyclopaedia serves as a valuable educational and research tool, aiding in the comparative study of planetary systems' architecture, the diversity of exoplanetary characteristics, and the methods used for their discovery and observation.