Discovery of Exoplanets

The radial velocity method detects exoplanets by measuring the slight wobble of a star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet, which creates shifts in the star's light as it moves towards and away from Earth.

Transit Method Single Planet

Transit Method Variable-Size Planet

The transit method detects exoplanets by measuring the brief dip in a star's brightness when a planet crosses in front of it, revealing the planet's size and orbit.

Direct imaging detects exoplanets by capturing images of the planets themselves, using advanced telescopes to block out starlight and reveal the light they emit or reflect.

Gravitational microlensing detects exoplanets by observing the light from a distant star that is magnified by the gravity of a closer object, such as a planet. When a planet passes in front of the star, it causes a temporary brightening, revealing its presence.

Astrometry detects exoplanets by precisely measuring a star's position and movement over time. Subtle shifts caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet reveal its presence and help estimate its mass and orbit.