Science Behind The News: Extrasolar Planets

The video explores the discovery and study of exoplanets, planets orbiting stars other than our Sun. It details two primary methods for detecting these planets: the Doppler method, which measures a star's wobble due to gravitational pull, and the transit method, which observes dimming of a star's light as a planet passes in front of it. These methods help determine the mass, size, and density of exoplanets, aiding in the search for Earth-like planets in habitable zones, where conditions might support life.

Explain the significance of the habitable zone in the search for Earth-like exoplanets.

What characteristics do astronomers look for in an exoplanet that could potentially sustain life?