Kepler's Planetary Discoveries

What method does the Kepler spacecraft use to detect planets?

• By measuring the gravitational pull of planets

• By observing the dimming of starlight during a planet's transit

• By capturing images of planets directly

• By analyzing the chemical composition of stars

What is the main advantage of the 'verification by multiplicity' method?

• It allows for the direct imaging of planets

• It speeds up the verification process by analyzing multiple candidates at once

• It reduces the cost of space missions

• It increases the accuracy of detecting planets

How many planets were discovered using the 'verification by multiplicity' method?

• 246

• 305

• 715

• 150,000

What percentage of the newly discovered planets are smaller than Neptune?

• 50%

• 75%

• 100%

• 95%

Why is the discovery of planets in the habitable zone significant?

• They are larger than other planets

• They have a higher chance of having liquid water, essential for life

• They are easier to observe

• They are closer to Earth