Exoplanet Discovery

Exoplanet discovery refers to the detection and confirmation of planets that orbit stars outside our solar system. These planets, known as exoplanets or extrasolar planets, have been a subject of intense scientific study since the first confirmed detection in 1992. The term "exoplanet" is translated to Hebrew as כוכב חוץ-שמשי, to French as exoplanète, to German as Exoplanet, and to Spanish as exoplaneta. The discovery of exoplanets has significantly expanded our understanding of planetary systems and the potential for life beyond Earth. Key methods for detecting exoplanets include the radial velocity method, which measures the wobble of a star caused by an orbiting planet, and the transit method, which observes the dimming of a star's light as a planet passes in front of it. Other techniques, such as direct imaging and gravitational microlensing, have also contributed to the identification of numerous exoplanets. As of recent data, thousands of exoplanets have been discovered, with many more candidates awaiting confirmation. These discoveries have revealed a diverse range of planetary types, sizes, and orbits, challenging and refining theories of planetary formation and evolution.