Exam-style question
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What does a light curve indicate when observing a transiting exoplanet?.
- A.The brightness of the star remains constant.
- B.The brightness of the star decreases periodically.
- C.The star's temperature increases during the transit.
- D.The exoplanet's mass is determined from the light curve.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The brightness of the star decreases periodically.
Explanation
Why this works
The evidence shows that a light curve displays variations in brightness over time. This periodic decrease indicates that an exoplanet is passing in front of the star, blocking some of its light.
The implication is that such patterns can be used to infer the presence of exoplanets. Therefore, the conclusion is that light curves are essential for detecting transiting exoplanets.
Common mistake
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