Exoplanets seem all to have elliptical orbits

In summary, exoplanets are more likely to have close, elliptical orbits around their host star while the gas giants in our solar system have more defined orbits. This may be due to the limitations of our current observational techniques, which make it easier to detect closer and more massive planets. As we continue to refine our methods, we are discovering more exoplanets that are further away from their host star and have lower masses. This is a fascinating discovery, considering that exoplanets are incredibly difficult to detect due to their lack of light emission and being obscured by their bright parent stars. As our understanding of exoplanets deepens, we are constantly finding new and interesting information about these distant worlds.
  • #1
cosmicpencil
25
0
exoplanets seem all to have elliptical orbits, and when you look at our solar system the orbits are all nice and defined, how come. And the gaz giants all seem to be star huggers where as in out solar system they are not, any explanations on this difference?
 
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  • #2


cosmicpencil said:
And the gaz giants all seem to be star huggers where as in out solar system they are not, any explanations on this difference?

It could just be that we are more likely to detect distant exoplanets that are closer to their star than our gas giants are.
 
  • #3


cristo said:
It could just be that we are more likely to detect distant exoplanets that are closer to their star than our gas giants are.

Most likely. The types of planets we see in great numbers(massive and close to the host star) are precisely the type of planets you expect to see first with low sensitivity equipment. As we refine our observational techniques, we are beginning to find lower mass planets and planets further away from the host star.
 
  • #4


Exoplanets are very difficult to detect because they don't emit any light of their own and are completely obscured by their extremely bright parent stars - normal telescope observation techniques cannot be used. In order to find exoplanets we use a variety of techniques to detect the effect they have on their stellar system.

the planets that we have known before are those that can be seen by our naked eye, as time goes by and studies go deeper/ as astronomers refine their observation, we find more. How interesting, isn't it?

http://www.ichatscience.com/
 
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1. Why do exoplanets have elliptical orbits?

Exoplanets have elliptical orbits because they are influenced by the gravitational pull of their host stars and other nearby planets. The shape of an orbit is determined by the balance between the planet's velocity and the gravitational pull of the star.

2. Are all exoplanets' orbits elliptical?

No, not all exoplanets have elliptical orbits. Some exoplanets have circular or nearly circular orbits, while others have highly eccentric orbits. The shape of an exoplanet's orbit depends on the specific conditions and forces at play in its particular planetary system.

3. How do scientists measure the shape of an exoplanet's orbit?

Scientists measure the shape of an exoplanet's orbit using a method called transit photometry. This involves observing slight dips in a star's brightness as an exoplanet passes in front of it, which can indicate the shape and size of the exoplanet's orbit.

4. Do elliptical orbits make exoplanets more or less habitable?

The shape of an exoplanet's orbit does not necessarily make it more or less habitable. Other factors such as the planet's distance from its star, the composition of its atmosphere, and the presence of liquid water are more important determinants of a planet's habitability.

5. Can exoplanets' orbits change over time?

Yes, exoplanets' orbits can change over time due to interactions with other planets or external forces. This can cause a planet's orbit to become more elliptical or circular, or to change in other ways. However, these changes occur over long periods of time and are not easily observable in human timescales.

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