Exoplanets

Exoplanets, or extrasolar planets, are planets that orbit stars outside our solar system. They can vary widely in size, composition, and orbital characteristics, ranging from gaseous giants larger than Jupiter to rocky, Earth-sized planets. The study of exoplanets is significant for understanding planetary formation, the diversity of planetary systems, and the potential for life beyond Earth. Exoplanets are typically detected through various methods, such as the transit method, where they pass in front of their host star and cause a temporary dimming that can be observed, and the radial velocity method, which measures the gravitational influence of a planet on its star. As of 2023, thousands of exoplanets have been confirmed, with many more candidates identified, expanding our knowledge of the universe and the possibilities for habitable worlds.