extrasolar planets

Researching exoplanets is a thrilling new frontier in science. There are periodically fresh stories in the media about exoplanets and the possibility of life existing outside Earth’s solar system. Readers learn about scientists’ speculations on faraway alien life. Profiles of fascinating exoplanets are examined, as are the technical matters of how scientists use spectra to obtain data about stars and planets. The habitable zone of a planet, what extreme life has been discovered, and what life-forms might exist on some moons are studied, as well as the Kepler Mission, launched in 2009 to search for Earth-like planets.

This volume describes the techniques with which astronomers and astrophysicists seek out worlds similar to our native planet throughout the vastness of the universe. Breaking down sometimes complicated concepts for beginning students of the cosmos, it includes the history of this planetary quest from ancient to modern times, contemporary methods used to find exoplanets, and their sheer diversity. Altogether, this otherworldly exploration, visually rich with the imagery of the heavens, gives readers a great entry point into a branch of astronomy that has thrilled inquisitive minds for millennia.

The search for life in other worlds begins with the search for a habitable planet. This book explores the (3z(BGoldilocks Zone,(3y (Ba defined area that is perfect for harboring life in our universe. Readers will find out how scientists are finding habitable planets by using terrestrial and orbiting telescopes to search these regions. Readers will also get to know how extreme zones on Earth are helping scientists redefine their concept of (3z(Bhabitable(3y (Band what kind of life we might find. Fascinating full-color photographs and artist renderings from NASA illustrate this fascinating hunt.

Describes galaxies, stars, and planets, where planets are likely to be, how astronomers observe or deduce their locations, how the Kepler space telescope helps in the search for planets, and what might be possible to observe in the future.

Describes the discovery of a planet outside Earth's solar system in 1995 and the subsequent detection of over one hundred additional exoplanets; examines the technologies that have allowed for such discoveries; and discusses the possibility that life will be found to exist elsewhere in the universe.

Discusses the state of astronomical research, focusing on the discovery of over 140 planets outside Earth's solar system, and featuresimages from observatories, as well as scientifically-based illustrations in which Lynette Cook imagines what those solar systems might look like.

"An introduction to extrasolar planets, with information about their formation and characteristics. Includes diagrams, fun facts, a glossary, a resource list, and an index"--Provided by publisher.

Chronicles the discoveries of all the planets within our solar system, as well as planets beyond our system.

Examines the early searches for extrasolar planets and the wide range of extrasolar planets that have been discovered since 1995, as well as the possibilities for life on extrasolar planets.