Exoplanetjakt

Exoplanetjakt, or exoplanet hunting, is the scientific endeavor to discover planets outside our solar system. These planets, known as exoplanets, orbit stars other than our Sun. The primary methods used in exoplanetjakt include the transit method, radial velocity method, and direct imaging.

The transit method involves observing the slight dimming of a star's light as an exoplanet passes in front of it. This technique has been instrumental in the discovery of thousands of exoplanets using space telescopes like Kepler and TESS.

The radial velocity method detects exoplanets by measuring the wobble in a star's motion caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet. This method has led to the discovery of many massive exoplanets.

Direct imaging captures the light from exoplanets directly, which is challenging due to the overwhelming brightness of their host stars. Advanced techniques and instruments, such as coronagraphs and adaptive optics, are used to block out the star's light and reveal the exoplanet.

Exoplanetjakt has revealed a diverse range of exoplanets, including hot Jupiters, super-Earths, and even potentially habitable worlds. These discoveries have expanded our understanding of planetary systems and the conditions that might support life beyond Earth. The field continues to evolve with new technologies and missions, promising even more exciting findings in the future.