The First Exoplanets Were Found Around... a Pulsar

The video explores the discovery of exoplanets, focusing on the first exoplanet found around a sun-like star in 1995 and the earlier discovery of planets around a pulsar. It explains the nature of pulsars and neutron stars, and how astronomers used timing variations to detect planets around pulsars. The video discusses the characteristics of these pulsar planets, their unlikely formation, and their rarity in the universe, highlighting the unique and often overlooked nature of these celestial bodies.

What was significant about the exoplanet discovered in 1995?

• It was the first exoplanet with an atmosphere.

• It was the largest exoplanet discovered.

• It was the first exoplanet found around a sun-like star.

• It was the first exoplanet ever discovered.

What is a pulsar?

• A rapidly rotating neutron star

• A type of black hole

• A galaxy with a strong magnetic field

• A planet orbiting a star

How do astronomers detect exoplanets around pulsars?

• By observing changes in light intensity

• By measuring variations in pulsar timing

• By analyzing star color changes

• By detecting gravitational waves

What is unusual about the masses of the planets found around Lich?

• They are made entirely of gas

• They are similar to Earth and the Moon

• They are larger than Jupiter

• They have no magnetic fields

Why is it surprising that pulsar planets exist?

• They are too far from their stars

• They are made of ice

• They orbit black holes

• They should not survive a supernova

What is a likely scenario for the formation of pulsar planets?

• They formed from a nearby galaxy

• They were captured from another solar system

• They formed from debris after a supernova

• They were created by a black hole

How common are planets around pulsars compared to normal stars?

• Equally common

• Only found in our galaxy

• Less than 1% as common

• More common