"What do trees and other plants look like if grown in a weightless environment?"
Special Note
Ask an Astrobiologist has received more than 2500 questions about Nibiru and 2012, with more than 200 answers posted. Please read a summary of the answers that have already been posted, view a video on these topics, use the search feature and read the FAQ’s before submitting questions on these topics.
-
Question
How many expoplanets have been discovered using the radial velocity method? What are the limitations/advantages of this method?
As of October 1, 2002, 101 exoplanets (planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system) had been discovered, and more are being announced every couple of months. The advantage of this technique is that it works! So far the radial velocity method is the only technique that has sufficient precision to detect exoplanets. A further advantage is that the search can be carried out with conventional ground-based telescopes. The disadvantage is the there is a limit to the precision that can be achieved, set not by the instrument but by the natural turbulence in the star being observed. The radial-velocity technique is therefore limited to the discovery of giant planets.
November 18, 2002
- How frequently are questions answered?
- I asked a question but there was no answer?
- Who is the Astrobiologist answering these questions?
- Will I get an email when my question is answered?
- What college courses should I take to become an astrobiologist?
- How can I get a job as an astrobiologist at NASA?
- Have aliens visited Earth? Are UFOs real?
- Is there a planet or brown dwarf called Nibiru or Eris that is approaching the Earth and threatening our planet with widespread destruction?
- Is it true that the Sun will be in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy in December 2012 and that this will cause a pole shift and massive destruction.
- Has NASA discovered life on other worlds?
- Astrobiology Career Path Suggestions
