Exam-style question
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When is the radial velocity method most effective for detecting exoplanets?.
- A.When planets are far from their stars.
- B.When planets are in close orbits around their stars.
- C.When observing stars with high luminosity.
- D.When using ground-based telescopes.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- When planets are in close orbits around their stars.
Explanation
Why this works
The radial velocity method is most effective for detecting exoplanets that are in close orbits around their stars because the gravitational pull is stronger, leading to more noticeable wobbles in the star's motion. This makes it easier to detect smaller changes in velocity, which is crucial for identifying the presence of a planet.
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