Space missions: a. Go to the website for the Kepler Mission (http://kepler . nasa.gov). How many confirmed planets has Kepler discovered? Mouse over "confirmed planets": How many planet candidates are there? What kinds of follow-up observations are being done to verify whether the candidates are planets? What is new? b. Search for the latest version of the "Kepler Orrery," an animation that shows multiplanet systems discovered by Kepler. Do most of these systems look like our own? c. Go to the website for the European Space Agency (ESA) mission Gaia (http://sci.esa.int/gaia). This mission was launched in \(2013 .\) Click on the "Exoplanets" link on the left-hand side. What method(s) will GAIA use to look for planets? What are the science goals? Have some planets been found?

Step by step solution

01

- Visit the Kepler Mission Website

Navigate to the Kepler Mission website by entering the URL: http://kepler.nasa.gov in your web browser.

02

- Find the Number of Confirmed Planets

On the Kepler Mission homepage, mouse over the 'confirmed planets' section and note the number of confirmed planets discovered.

03

- Find the Number of Planet Candidates

Similarly, hover over the 'planet candidates' section to check the number of planet candidates.

04

- Investigate Follow-Up Observations

Read about the follow-up observations being conducted to verify the planet candidates. Look for information on techniques like radial velocity, transit timing variations, and other methods.

05

- Identify New Updates

Look for a section or news update on the website that highlights 'What is new?' and summarize the latest information provided.

06

- Search for 'Kepler Orrery'

Use a search engine to find the latest version of the 'Kepler Orrery,' which is an animation showcasing multiplanet systems discovered by Kepler.

07

- Analyze Multiplanet Systems

Watch the animation and compare the systems shown to our solar system. Determine if most systems resemble our solar system in terms of structure and composition.

08

- Visit the Gaia Mission Website

Navigate to the Gaia Mission website by entering the URL: http://sci.esa.int/gaia in your web browser.

09

- Learn About Methods Gaia Uses

Click on the 'Exoplanets' link on the left-hand side to discover the methods GAIA employs to look for planets. Document the techniques mentioned, such as astrometry or photometry.

10

- Understand the Science Goals

Read about Gaia's science goals in the 'Exoplanets' section. Note down the primary objectives of the mission.

11

- Confirm Discovery of Planets

Check if any planets have already been found by Gaia and record the details.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

• Full Textbook Solutions

  Get detailed explanations and key concepts

• Unlimited Al creation

  Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

• Ads-free access

  To over 500 millions flashcards

• Money-back guarantee

  We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Key Concepts

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

Kepler Mission

The Kepler Mission, launched by NASA in 2009, is a fascinating space endeavor aimed at finding Earth-like planets outside our solar system, known as exoplanets. The mission utilizes the transit method to detect planets, meaning it observes the slight dimming of a star's light when a planet passes in front of it. This dimming indicates the presence of a planet. As of now, Kepler has discovered thousands of confirmed planets and numerous planet candidates still awaiting confirmation. Follow-up observations are vital to verify these candidates and utilize other techniques such as radial velocity and transit timing variations, ensuring reliability and accuracy in planet detection.

Exoplanets

Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars outside our solar system. Discovering these planets helps scientists understand the diversity and nature of planetary systems. By studying exoplanets, we aim to find conditions similar to Earth that could potentially support life. The Kepler Mission has been particularly successful in this area, identifying a plethora of exoplanets that vary widely in size, composition, and orbital distances. Some even reside in the 'habitable zone,' where conditions might be just right for liquid water to exist, a key ingredient for life as we know it.

Gaia Mission

The Gaia Mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), was launched in 2013 with the goal of charting a three-dimensional map of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Gaia's keen focus is on astrometry, the precise measurement of positions and movements of stars. This precise data allows Gaia to detect exoplanets by observing the slight wobbles in a star's position caused by the gravitational pull of orbiting planets. The mission has already contributed to the discovery of new exoplanets and continues to enhance our understanding of the galaxy's structure and stellar properties. Gaia's science goals aim to improve our knowledge of the Milky Way's formation and evolution.

Planet Detection Methods

There are several methods to detect exoplanets. The primary methods include:

• Transit Method: Observing the dimming of a star when a planet passes in front.
• Radial Velocity: Measuring the star's wobble due to the gravitational pull of a planet.
• Direct Imaging: Capturing images of planets by blocking the star's light.
• Astrometry: Measuring precise star positions to detect tiny movements caused by planets.
• Gravitational Microlensing: Observing light bending caused by a massive object like a planet.

Each method offers unique advantages and is suited for different types of planetary systems and distances. Combining these methods increases the accuracy and range of planet detection.

Multiplanet Systems

Multiplanet systems are star systems with more than one planet. These systems offer intriguing insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems. The 'Kepler Orrery' animation showcases these multiplanet systems discovered by Kepler, visualizing their dynamics and structure. Some systems discovered resemble our own solar system, while others are vastly different, with tightly packed orbits or varied planet sizes. Studying these systems helps astronomers understand the diversity of planetary configurations and the factors that lead to the formation of planets in stable orbits.