Exploring Transiting Extrasolar Planets in your Astronomy Lab, Classroom, or Public Presentation
Abstract
The search for life beyond our Solar System is topic that appears in almost every introductory, general-education astronomy course, typically referred to as "Astro 101." School teachers and science museum presenters might cover this topic, too. This article is our instructor's manual for facilitating a 50-minute, hands-on activity that explores the light curves produced by transiting extrasolar planets: how they form and how to extract characteristics about the extrasolar planet from the shape of the curve. Students apply their skills to the system HD 209458 by examining data collected by the Microvariability Of STars (MOST) telescope.
- Publication:
-
Connecting People to Science: A National Conference on Science Education and Public Outreach
- Pub Date:
- August 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012ASPC..457...59N