What is the best method to detect Earth-sized exoplanets with the telescopes and instrumentation that exist today?
A) Doppler shift is the best method.
B) Transit is the best method.
C) Microlensing is the best method.
D) Direct imaging is the best method.
E) All of the above methods can be used.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transit method is currently the most effective method for discovering Earth-sized exoplanets with the telescopes and instrumentation that exist today. This method relies on observing the slight dimming of a star's light as a planet passes in front of it, which allows astronomers to determine the planet's size and the characteristics of its orbit. While other methods, such as Doppler shift and microlensing, can also be used to detect exoplanets, they are typically less effective for detecting Earth-sized planets. Direct imaging is also challenging because Earth-sized planets are difficult to distinguish from their parent stars.

What Is the Best Method to Detect Earth-Sized Exoplanets with the Telescopes