Detection Methods
Transit Method
Most Successful Technique
When a planet passes in front of its star, it blocks a tiny amount of light. By measuring this dimming, we can determine the planet's size and orbit.
Radial Velocity
The Wobble Method
A planet's gravity causes its star to wobble. We detect this by measuring Doppler shifts in the star's light, revealing the planet's mass.
Direct Imaging
Seeing is Believing
Using advanced telescopes and coronagraphs to block starlight, we can directly photograph young, hot giant planets.
Gravitational Microlensing
Einstein's Method
When a star with planets passes in front of a distant star, its gravity bends and magnifies the light, revealing planetary companions.