How Can Astronomers Measure the Composition of an Extrasolar Planet's

question 48

Multiple Choice

How can astronomers measure the composition of an extrasolar planet's atmosphere?

• A)by measuring the composition of the host star; the planet must have formed from the same initial material
• B)by comparing spectra for when the planet is in transit or eclipse with spectra taken at other times
• C)by measuring how brightly the planet glows in infrared light
• D)by measuring the Doppler shift of the host star

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Definitions:

Topographically

Relating to the arrangement or accurate representation of the physical features of an area.

Occipital Lobe

The region of the brain located at the back of the cerebral cortex, responsible for processing visual information.

"Sees Stars"

A colloquial term describing the visual sensation of seeing spots of light, often experienced after a sudden impact to the head or eye movement.

Brain

An organ of the central nervous system in vertebrates, housed in the skull, responsible for coordinating sensation, intellectual, and nervous activity.