Eksoplaneedil

Eksoplaneedil refers to the study and discovery of exoplanets, which are planets that orbit stars outside our solar system. The term is derived from combining "exo-" (meaning outside or external) and "planeet" (the Estonian word for "planet"). While the concept is rooted in astronomy, the specific term "eksoplaneedil" is primarily used in Estonian-language scientific and educational contexts to describe this field of research.

Exoplanet research has gained significant traction in recent decades, driven by advancements in telescope technology and observational methods. The first confirmed detection of an exoplanet around a Sun-like star was made in 1995, orbiting the star 51 Pegasi. Since then, thousands of exoplanets have been identified, with missions like NASA’s Kepler and TESS space telescopes playing pivotal roles in expanding our knowledge. These discoveries have revealed a diverse array of planetary systems, including gas giants, rocky planets, and even potential habitable worlds where liquid water might exist.

The study of exoplanets helps scientists understand planetary formation, the prevalence of Earth-like conditions, and the potential for extraterrestrial life. Techniques such as the transit method (detecting dips in a star’s brightness as a planet passes in front of it) and radial velocity (measuring stellar wobbles caused by orbiting planets) remain foundational in this field. Future observatories, including the James Webb Space Telescope, are expected to provide deeper insights into exoplanet atmospheres and compositions.

In Estonia, exoplanet research is part of broader astronomical and space science initiatives, often integrated into educational programs to inspire interest in STEM fields. The term *eksoplaneedil* reflects this localized focus while aligning with global astronomical efforts to explore the cosmos beyond our solar system.