Gravitational microlensing detects planets when:
A)a background exoplanet passes almost directly behind its star.
B)a massive exoplanet orbits close to its star.
C)an exoplanet has an orbit that is perpendicular to our line of sight (face on).
D)a foreground exoplanet passes almost directly in front of its star.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gravitational microlensing detects planets when a foreground exoplanet passes almost directly in front of its star, causing a temporary increase in the star's brightness. This occurs because the planet's gravity bends and focuses the light from the star, which can be detected by telescopes on Earth. Gravitational microlensing detects planets when a foreground exoplanet passes almost directly in front of its star, causing a temporary increase in brightness that can be detected by telescopes.

Gravitational Microlensing Detects Planets When