What are exoplanets?

Exoplanets are planets outside our solar system that orbit stars other than the Sun. These celestial bodies, also known as extrasolar planets, have been discovered through various methods, including the transit method and the radial velocity method. Exoplanets come in a wide range of sizes, compositions, and orbits, with some similar to Earth and others resembling giant gas giants like Jupiter. Scientists study exoplanets to better understand the diversity of planetary systems in the universe and to search for signs of habitability or the potential for extraterrestrial life. The discovery of exoplanets has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and sparked a newfound interest in exploring worlds beyond our own.

This mind map was published on 27 January 2024 and has been viewed 97 times.