Most exoplanets are discovered by the effect they have on their star, rather than by direct observation of the planet.

• True

• False

Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than our own Sun.

• True

• False

How many extrasolar planets have been identified so far?

• Around 250

• Around 350

• More than 800

• More than 1500

According to statistical studies, the Milky Way galaxy may contain about 100 billion planets.

• True

• False

How do scientists discover extrasolar planets?

• Direct imaging by a state-of-the-art space telescope

• Periodic motion of a star, consistent with the pull of an orbiting object

• The temporary dimming of a star as a planet crosses in front of it

• All of these

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

When did scientists start discovering exoplanets?

• 1890s

• 1898

• 1990s

• 2000

New extrasolar planets are identified very rarely, only about once per decade.

• True

• False

 

Exoplanets orbit a star other than the Sun.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

The first discovery of an extrasolar planet was in the _____.

• Early 1960s

• Early 1990s

• Early 1980s

• Early 1970s

There are seven exoplanets outside our solar system.

• True

• False