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AsteriaStar
Learning path

Exoplanets

Worlds beyond the Sun — how we find them, what kinds there are, and how scientists weigh whether any could be habitable. Built on real planets and systems from the NASA Exoplanet Archive.

Beginner
  1. 1.1What is an exoplanet?Planets orbiting other stars, as a knowledge graph.
  2. 1.2How exoplanets are foundThe detection methods behind every discovery.
  3. 1.3The transit methodFinding planets by the dip in starlight.
  4. 1.4Radial velocityWeighing planets by their star's wobble.
Intermediate
  1. 2.1Direct imagingTaking an actual picture of a planet.
  2. 2.2Planetary systemsStars with families of worlds.
  3. 2.3Super-Earths and mini-NeptunesThe most common kinds of planet.
  4. 2.4Hot JupitersGiant planets in scorching orbits.
Advanced
  1. 3.1Habitability and the habitable zoneWhat 'habitable zone' does and doesn't mean.
  2. 3.2AtmospheresReading the air of distant worlds.
  3. 3.3Exoplanet missionsThe telescopes behind the discoveries.
  4. 3.4The search for lifeThe nearest potentially habitable world.

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Observatories & Telescopes →Understanding Stars →