Indirect detection of an extrasolar planet means .
A)sending a space probe to the planet
B)observing the planet's effect on its host star
C)seeing the planet with the naked eye
D)acquiring images or spectra of the planet

Question

Indirect detection of an extrasolar planet means .
A)sending a space probe to the planet
B)observing the planet's effect on its host star
C)seeing the planet with the naked eye
D)acquiring images or spectra of the planet

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Indirect detection methods, such as radial velocity or transit observations, involve observing the planet's effect on its host star. This can reveal information about the planet's mass, orbit, and even atmospheric composition without directly imaging the planet itself. Sending a space probe to the planet (A) would be a direct detection method, while seeing the planet with the naked eye (C) or acquiring images or spectra of the planet (D) would also be direct detection methods that are currently beyond our technological capabilities for most extrasolar planets.

Indirect Detection of an Extrasolar Planet Means