What is an Exoplanet?
Understanding the worlds beyond our solar system
Definition
An exoplanet (short for extrasolar planet) is a planet that orbits a star outside our Solar System.
👉 In simple terms: An exoplanet is any planet orbiting a star that is not the Sun.
Key Points
Location
Unlike the eight planets of our Solar System, exoplanets orbit other stars, often many light-years away.
Detection
They're usually found through methods like the transit method (a planet passing in front of its star, dimming its light) or the radial velocity method (detecting the star's wobble caused by the planet's gravity).
Diversity
Exoplanets come in many forms — some are Earth-like rocky worlds, others are gas giants like Jupiter, and many don't resemble anything in our Solar System.
Significance
Studying them helps scientists understand planet formation, the potential for habitable worlds, and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.
Why Exoplanet Detection Matters
Understanding Our Origins
Learning how planets form helps us understand how our own solar system came to be.
Finding Habitable Worlds
Discovering Earth-like planets increases our chances of finding life beyond Earth.
Advancing Technology
Detection methods push the boundaries of astronomical observation and data analysis.
Ready to Explore?
Now that you understand what exoplanets are, dive into our detection platform to identify them yourself!