Exoplanets: Worlds Beyond Our Solar System

  1. Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars outside our solar system.
  2. The first confirmed exoplanets were discovered in 1992 around a pulsar.
  3. Thousands of exoplanets have been detected using telescopes like Kepler and TESS.
  4. Detection methods include transits, radial velocity, and direct imaging.
  5. Exoplanets come in many types, from rocky Earth-like worlds to massive gas giants.
  6. Some exoplanets orbit in their star’s habitable zone, where liquid water could exist.
  7. “Hot Jupiters” are gas giants that orbit extremely close to their stars.
  8. Exoplanet atmospheres can be studied to look for water, oxygen, or methane.
  9. Exoplanet discoveries help us understand planet formation and the diversity of planetary systems.
  10. Future missions aim to find Earth-sized planets that could potentially support life.