Astronomers believe that the stellar disk around the star Beta Pictoris contains a Jupiter-size planet. Why do they think this?
A) The planet was imaged directly by the Hubble Space Telescope.
B) Effects of the intense magnetic field of this planet can be detected by powerful radio telescopes.
C) The gravitational effect of this planet has created an off-center disk of dust and gas around the star.
D) The planet causes a measurable decrease in the brightness of Beta Pictoris when it transits across its disk.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational effect of a planet can influence the distribution of material in the disk surrounding its star, leading to observable asymmetries such as an off-center disk of dust and gas. This is why astronomers believe a Jupiter-size planet exists around Beta Pictoris.

Astronomers Believe That the Stellar Disk Around the Star Beta