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Chapter 7: Problem 9

The transit method preferentially detects a. large planets close to the central star. b. small planets close to the central star. c. large planets far from the central star. d. small planets far from the central star. e. the method detects all of these equally well

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. large planets close to the central star

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Transit Method

The transit method detects planets by measuring the slight dimming of a star when a planet passes in front of it from our point of view.
02

Consider the Factors That Increase Detection Likelihood

Larger planets block more light and cause a more noticeable dimming. Planets closer to the star transit more frequently.
03

Combine Both Factors

Large planets close to the central star are easiest to detect because they cause significant dimming and transit more often.
04

Match the Description with the Options

Option a. 'large planets close to the central star' best fits the criteria for what the transit method preferentially detects.

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Key Concepts

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

Exoplanet Detection
Exoplanet detection involves finding planets outside our solar system, also known as exoplanets. Various methods have been developed to identify these distant worlds. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on factors like the planet's size, distance from its star, and the technology used. The primary goal is to learn more about these planets, including their composition, atmosphere, and potential for hosting life. Understanding different methods, such as the transit method, helps scientists gather more accurate data and build a broader picture of the universe.
Transit Photometry
Transit photometry is one of the most successful methods for detecting exoplanets. It involves monitoring the brightness of a star over time. When a planet passes in front of the star, it causes a temporary dip in the star's brightness. This event is called a 'transit.' By carefully analyzing these dips, scientists can determine various characteristics of the planet, such as its size and orbital period.
  • Transit photometry is particularly effective for finding large planets close to their stars.
  • It provides a wealth of information without needing to observe the planet directly.
  • This method has been used by space telescopes like Kepler and TESS to discover thousands of exoplanets.
Planetary Transits
Planetary transits occur when a planet moves directly between its star and the observer. This alignment causes the planet to cast a small shadow on the star, observable as a minute drop in the star's light. The amount of light blocked depends on the planet's size relative to the star.
  • Large planets block more light, making their transits easier to detect.
  • Planets with shorter orbits transit more frequently, increasing the chances of detection.
  • Multiple transits provide data that can confirm the planet's presence and characteristics.
The transit method is most sensitive to planets close to their host stars, often revealing hot Jupiters – gas giants that orbit extremely close to their stars.
Astronomical Methods
Several astronomical methods complement the transit method in the search for exoplanets, each with unique advantages.
  • Radial Velocity Method: Measures star wobbling due to gravitational pull from an orbiting planet. Useful for identifying planet mass.
  • Direct Imaging: Captures images of planets by blocking out starlight. Enables the study of planet atmospheres.
  • Gravitational Microlensing: Detects distant planets by observing light bending from a background star. Effective for finding planets far from their host stars.
By using a combination of these methods, astronomers can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of exoplanets, such as their masses, sizes, orbits, and potential habitability.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Physicists describe certain properties, such as angular momentum and energy, as being conserved. What does this mean? Do conservation laws imply that an individual object can never lose or gain angular momentum or energy? Explain your reasoning.

The Process of Science Figure in this chapter makes the point that different areas of science must agree with one another. Suppose that a handful of new exoplanets are discovered that appear not to have formed from the collapse of a stellar nebula (for example, the planetary orbits might be in random orientations). What will scientists do with this new information?

The planet COROT-11b was discovered using the transit method, and astronomers have followed up with radial velocity measurements, so both its size (radius \(1.43 R_{\text {Jup }}\) ) and its \(\operatorname{mass}\left(2.33 M_{\text {Jup }}\right)\) are known. The density provides a clue about whether the object is gaseous or rocky. a. What is the mass of this planet in kilograms? b. What is the planet's radius in meters? c. What is the planet's volume? d. What is the planet's density? How does this density compare to the density of water \(\left(1,000 \mathrm{kg} / \mathrm{m}^{3}\right) ?\) Is the planet likely to be rocky or gaseous?

What is the source of the material that now makes up the Sun and the rest of the Solar System?

A planet in the "habitable zone" a. is close to the central star. b. is far from the central star. c. is the same distance from its star as Earth is from the Sun. d. is at a distance where liquid water can exist on the surface.
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