Transit method
A transit causes a small, temporary dip in the star's observed brightness. This topic is part of Exoplanets within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 4 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
Transit method trivia questions
Astronomers using the transit method look for a planet to do what?
Answer: Pass in front of its star
Bonus fact: A transit causes a small, temporary dip in the star's observed brightness.
What does the depth of an exoplanet transit most directly help astronomers estimate?
Answer: The planet's size
Bonus fact: A larger planet blocks a greater fraction of its star's light.
Which space telescope famously used the transit method to discover thousands of exoplanet candidates?
Answer: Kepler
Bonus fact: Kepler continuously monitored large numbers of stars for periodic brightness dips.
Which method detects exoplanets when they pass in front of their stars?
Answer: Transit method
Bonus fact: A transit causes a small dip in the star's brightness.