Exoplanets

Exoplanets, or extrasolar planets, are planets that exist outside of our solar system, orbiting stars other than the Sun. They can vary widely in size, composition, and distance from their host stars. Exoplanets can be classified into different categories based on their characteristics, such as gas giants, terrestrial planets, or icy bodies. The study of exoplanets has gained significant attention since the first confirmed detection in the 1990s, leading to advancements in technology and observational methods, including transit photometry and radial velocity techniques. Researchers are particularly interested in exoplanets located within the habitable zone of their stars, where conditions may be suitable for liquid water and potentially support life. The exploration of exoplanets raises questions about the existence of life beyond Earth and the diversity of planetary systems in the universe.