How does the Kepler mission plan to detect Earth-like planets around other stars?
A) by measuring the Doppler shift in spectral lines as the central star is tugged to and fro by the planet
B) by observing the slight dip in brightness of the central star as the planet transits
C) by directly imaging the planet in the infrared
D) by observing the spectrum of the planet
E) by measuring the slight shift in position of the central star as it is tugged to and fro by the planet

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Kepler mission detects Earth-like planets around other stars by observing the slight dip in brightness of the central star as the planet transits in front of it. This causes a periodic decrease in the observed brightness of the star, which can be used to infer the presence and size of the planet orbiting it.

How Does the Kepler Mission Plan to Detect Earth-Like Planets