You observe a star very similar to our own Sun in size and mass.This star moves very slightly back and forth in the sky once every four months,and you attribute this motion to the effect of an orbiting planet.What can you conclude about the orbiting planet?
A)The planet must have a mass about the same as the mass of Jupiter.
B)The planet must be closer to the star than Earth is to the Sun.
C)The planet must be farther from the star than Neptune is from the Sun.
D)You do not have enough information to say anything at all about the planet.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The periodic back-and-forth motion of the star observed every four months suggests that the planet's orbital period is four months, indicating it must be closer to its star than Earth is to the Sun, as Earth's orbital period is one year.

You Observe a Star Very Similar to Our Own Sun