Describe how astronomers detect planets around other stars using transit photometry (dip in starlight as a planet crosses) and radial velocity (Doppler wobble of the star), explain the habitable zone concept, and discuss what atmospheric b…
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Question 1 of 3
While observing the star Kephira, an astronomer sees its brightness drop by about 0.3% for roughly 4 hours before returning to normal, and this dip happens every 27 days. What most likely causes this regular dimming?
Question 2 of 3
Astronomers observe that a distant star’s brightness drops by a tiny amount for a few hours, then returns to normal, and this dimming repeats every 12 days with exactly the same depth each time. Which explanation best describes this pattern?
Question 3 of 3
Astronomer Maya watches the star Nova‑7 for several weeks. She records its brightness and sees that every 18 days the star’s light drops by about 0.25% for roughly 2.5 hours, then returns to normal. Which explanation best fits this pattern?
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