QuestionJune 4, 2025

9 Suppose an astronomer observes a star system oriented towards her as shown in the animation. The system itself has no motion along the line of sight from Earth. The light of the inner star as it orbits the center of mass is redshifted. does not change. is blueshifted. What method might be used to detect the existence of the outer planet in this system? direct detection diffraction method transit method radial velocity method

9 Suppose an astronomer observes a star system oriented towards her as shown in the animation. The system itself has no motion along the line of sight from Earth. The light of the inner star as it orbits the center of mass is redshifted. does not change. is blueshifted. What method might be used to detect the existence of the outer planet in this system? direct detection diffraction method transit method radial velocity method
9 Suppose an astronomer observes a star system oriented
towards her as shown in the animation. The system itself has
no motion along the line of sight from Earth.
The light of the inner star as it orbits the center
of mass
is redshifted.
does not change.
is blueshifted.
What method might be used to detect the existence
of the outer planet in this system?
direct detection
diffraction method
transit method
radial velocity method

Solution
4.3(296 votes)

Answer

does not change; radial velocity method Explanation 1. Determine the light shift of the inner star If the inner star is moving towards the observer, its light is blueshifted. If moving away, it is redshifted. Since the system has no motion along the line of sight, the light does not change. 2. Identify method to detect outer planet The transit method detects planets by observing dips in brightness as they pass in front of their star. The radial velocity method detects planets by measuring changes in the star's spectrum due to gravitational pull. Direct detection and diffraction are less effective for distant or small planets.

Explanation

1. Determine the light shift of the inner star<br /> If the inner star is moving towards the observer, its light is blueshifted. If moving away, it is redshifted. Since the system has no motion along the line of sight, the light does not change.<br />2. Identify method to detect outer planet<br /> The transit method detects planets by observing dips in brightness as they pass in front of their star. The radial velocity method detects planets by measuring changes in the star's spectrum due to gravitational pull. Direct detection and diffraction are less effective for distant or small planets.
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