Interactive Maps
NASA Eyes : Exoplanets
NASA Eyes : Solar System
NASA Eyes : Earth
NASA Eyes : Asteroids
What is an exoplanet?
An exoplanet, also known as an extrasolar planet, is a planet that orbits a star outside our solar system. The first confirmed detection of an exoplanet occurred in 1992; since then, thousands of exoplanets have been discovered.
Exoplanets come in various sizes, ranging from smaller than Earth to larger than Jupiter. They can have diverse characteristics, such as rocky compositions, gaseous atmospheres, or both. Some exoplanets orbit their stars at distances that allow liquid water on their surfaces, which is considered a crucial factor for the potential development of life as we know it.
The methods used to detect exoplanets include the radial velocity method, which detects the gravitational pull of a planet on its star, causing the star to wobble, and the transit method, which observes the slight dimming of a star’s light as a planet passes in front of it. Other techniques, such as direct imaging and gravitational microlensing, are also employed to detect and study exoplanets.
The study of exoplanets has significantly expanded our understanding of the universe and the prevalence of planets beyond our solar system. It has provided insights into planetary formation, evolution, and the potential for habitability in other star systems.
Latest Exoplanet News
- The Fiery World: L 98-59 b’s Endless Volcanic Dance - Science Magazine
- The JWST Gives Us Our Best Image of Planets Forming Around a Star - Universe Today
- Grid-based Exoplanet Atmospheric Mass Loss Predictions Through Neural Network - Astrobiology News
- Statistical Reevaluation of the USP Classification Boundary: Smaller Planets Within 1 Day, Larger Period Ratios Below 2 Days - Astrobiology News
- PRL scientists discover new exoplanet, a dense sub-Saturn – Employment & Education - E2India
- Hydrogen escaping from a pair of exoplanets smaller than Neptune - Nature.com
- Cosmic Discoveries: Could YZ Ceti b Hold the Key to Extraterrestrial Life? - Science Magazine
- Indian scientists discovered a dense sub-Saturn size exoplanet - Tech Explorist
- This Super-Venus Uncovers Planetary Secrets: What the James Webb Telescope Revealed! - - Science Magazine
- New Book Reveals Why We Need An Exoplanet Reality Check - Forbes
- PRL Scientists Discovered a Dense Sub-Saturn Using PARAS-2 Spectrograph at Mt Abu Telescope - ISRO
- Scientists spot a speedy star dragging a planet through space at 1.2 million miles per hour - Sky at Night Magazine
- Exoplanets at ASU - Center Post Dispatch
- Exoplanets at ASU - Valley Courier
- Hot and Cold Spots on Stars Lead to Misinterpretations of Exoplanets - LabRoots