Exoplanets Introduction By Miranda Hollow

What is an exoplanet? Also referred to as an extrasolar planet. Exoplanet: n. a planet that orbits a star outside the solar system. 344 exoplanets have been detected. Masses suggest they are jovian- Giant gaseous planets- “Hot Jupiters” Large sizes- low densities Many of them orbit quite close to their stars or have highly elliptical orbits.

A hot Jupiter would have a temperature far too high for gases such as ammonia or water vapor to condense into liquid droplets or ice flakes. Instead they would have clouds of “rock dust” containing common minerals. 1 in 10 show evidence of planets around them. We have been catching elephants with “elephant traps”

Questions Why are extrasolar planets difficult to detect? ∙ What are the methods being used to detect extrasolar planets? 1.Talk in your groups and come up with at least two reasons 2. Write down your reasons on the whiteboard.