Chapter 13

Question 1

Doppler technique

Answer 1

The detection of extrasolar planets through the motion of a star toward and away from the observer caused by gravitational tugs from the planet.

Question 2

transit

Answer 2

An event in which a planet passes in front of a star (or the Sun) as seen from Earth. Only Mercury and Venus can be seen in transit of our Sun. The search for transits of extrasolar planets is an important planet detection strategy.

Question 3

formation properties (of planets)

Answer 3

In this book, for the purpose of understanding geological processes, planets are defined to be born with four formation properties: size (mass and radius), distance from the Sun, composition, and rotation rate.

Question 4

planetary migration

Answer 4

A process through which a planet can move from the orbit on which it is born to a different orbit that is closer to or farther from its star.

Question 5

hot Jupiter

Answer 5

A class of planet that is Jupiter-like in size but orbits very close to its star, causing it to have a very high surface temperature.

Question 6

extrasolar planet

Answer 6

A planet orbiting a star other than our Sun.

Question 7

astrometric technique

Answer 7

The detection of extrasolar planets through the side-to-side motion of a star caused by gravitational tugs from the planet.

Question 8

eclipse

Answer 8

An event in which one astronomical object casts a shadow on another or crosses our line of sight to the other object.