How to Find an Exoplanet

The video discusses the challenges of discovering exoplanets, especially those orbiting distant stars. Direct observation is limited to nearby stars with large planets. Most exoplanets are found indirectly by observing their effects on parent stars, such as dimming during transits or star wobble due to gravitational pull. These methods are effective for large planets close to stars. Advanced techniques have helped discover over 1800 exoplanets by 2014.

What challenges are faced when trying to find a planet orbiting a distant star?

How do astronomers determine the size of a planet relative to its star?

What is the significance of a planet's orbital orientation in the discovery process?

Explain the concept of the center of mass in relation to stars and planets.

What methods have been used to discover more than 1800 exoplanets as of 2014?