An astronomer is trying to detect an exoplanet via the microlensing method. Which of these changes to a particular planet will make it easier to detect, if everything else about the planet is unchanged?
A) increasing its radius
B) increasing its mass
C) increasing its orbital period
D) All of these are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing the mass of a planet enhances its gravitational field, which in turn increases the microlensing effect by bending the light from a background star more significantly. This makes the planet easier to detect using the microlensing method. Changes in radius or orbital period do not directly affect the gravitational lensing effect.

An Astronomer Is Trying to Detect an Exoplanet Via the Microlensing