An exoplanet is a planet which orbits a star that is not our Sun. The first exoplanet was discovered in 1992. It was found in orbit around the pulsar PSR 1257+12. It took 3 more years before a planet was found in orbit around a Sun-like star, 51 Pegasi. Since then, astronomers have found more than 5,000 exoplanets!
This project challenges you to create graphs and plots using real data from the Extrasolar Planets Encyclopaedia. You investigate exoplanets by looking for trends or interesting features in the plots you create.
By the end of this activity you will:
- Have used software to view, explore, and interpret real data
- Know the various properties of exoplanets
- Be able to confidently look for patterns and trends in a large data set
- Have considered any bias in the data or assumptions you have made
To complete this activity you will need:
IT Equipment
- Internet access
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (SSC)
Approx Duration
60+ mins
Have a go
Visit the Exoplanet project. Use the items in the menu to:
- Research the history of hunting for exoplanets and different detection methods
- Explore the properties of exoplanets
- Read through the instructions and resources
Then you’re ready to use your knowledge to investigate exoplanets!
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