If a star has an extrasolar planet, the symmetry of its radial velocity curve is related to the planet's

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symmetry of a radial velocity curve is related to the planet's orbital shape because it depends on how the planet's orbit relative to our line of sight to the star. If the planet has a circular orbit around the star, the radial velocity curve will be symmetric. However, if the orbit is eccentric, the radial velocity curve will be asymmetric, with the curve's steepest part corresponding to when the planet is closest to the star.

If a Star Has an Extrasolar Planet, the Symmetry of Its