Exoplanets seem all to have elliptical orbits

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    Exoplanets Orbits
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation that exoplanets appear to have elliptical orbits, contrasting with the more defined orbits of planets in our solar system. Participants explore potential reasons for the differences in orbital characteristics, particularly focusing on the detection biases in observing exoplanets versus solar system planets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that exoplanets seem to have elliptical orbits, while planets in our solar system have more defined orbits.
  • One participant suggests that the apparent prevalence of close-in gas giants among detected exoplanets may be due to detection biases, as these planets are easier to observe.
  • Another participant agrees, stating that the types of planets detected so far are typically massive and close to their host stars, which aligns with the limitations of current observational techniques.
  • It is mentioned that exoplanets are difficult to detect because they do not emit light and are often obscured by their bright parent stars, necessitating the use of various detection methods.
  • There is a suggestion that as observational techniques improve, astronomers are beginning to discover lower mass planets and those located further from their stars.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that detection biases play a significant role in the types of exoplanets observed, but there is no consensus on the implications of these observations or the reasons behind the differences in orbital characteristics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in current observational techniques and the dependence on the types of planets that can be detected with existing methods. There is also an acknowledgment of the evolving nature of astronomical studies as technology advances.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in exoplanet research, orbital mechanics, and observational astronomy may find this discussion relevant.

cosmicpencil
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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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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.
 


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.
 


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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