The Wonder of Exoplanets
NASA defines exoplanets as “any planet beyond our solar system”. Most exoplanets are orbiting other stars (similar to our sun) but some are free-floating and these are also called rogue planets. They are not attached to any particular star. So far, we know most about the exoplanets in a small part of the Milky Way but there are many more out there! The first were discovered in the 1990s and scientists have found out a lot about them by measuring their size and mass. They have even discovered that some are rocky (like Earth) but others are full of gas (like Saturn). Some have elements like water and ice but others are iron and carbon. There are even molten lava seas!
Symphony of Sound
Even the closest exoplanets are over four light years away from us. We are discovering new ones all the time using a variety of creative methods. The five main ways to spot an exoplanet are radial velocity (watching for a wobble), transit (searching for a shadow), direct imaging (taking pictures), gravitational microlensing (light in a gravity lens), and astrometry (detecting tiny movements). NASA is also looking for creative ways to present data on exoplanets that will interest and inform all of us. Over 5,000 have already been confirmed and many more will be discovered over the coming years. They came up with the idea of adding a new sound for each planet discovered over the past 30 or so years. The pitch of the tone is dictated by the distance from their star. Have a listen! It is a surprisingly organized and tuneful arrangement with hints of a subtle melody. This is a work in progress and is sure to evolve as more exoplanets are discovered. The symphony of the planets really is out of this world! Next up: What’s the Largest Planet in Our Solar System? How Far Away is Pluto from Earth, The Sun, And Other Planets? How Far Away is Mars from Earth, The Sun, And Other Planets?
