Background Research
Importance of Planet Mass
In order to figure out the composition of your exoplanet, you must know the planet's density. To find the density, you will need the planet’s mass.
Finding the planet's mass is an important first step in determining if the planet could possibly support life.
Your findings will allow your team to create a strong and compelling request for your exoplanet to be studied by the James Webb Space Telescope.
Radial Velocity
To determine the mass of the exoplanet, you will use a technique called the radial velocity method. Watch the video below to learn more about the radial velocity method and how you will use it in this mission.
The following simulation will help you learn more about the radial velocity method. Take a few minutes to play with the simulation. Try changing various parameters to see what happens.
To view the effect of planetary mass simulation in a different web browser tab, click here .
This simulation is an opportunity to learn more about the larger concept of radial velocity. Don’t worry about trying to read specific numbers on the simulation as they are not directly related to your exoplanet data.
Now complete the following investigation to learn how to extract information from the radial velocity curve. Keep in mind the graph on the right represents the radial velocity of the star as it wobbles due to the influence of the planet orbiting its star.
Radial Velocity Lab
Now that you know more about the radial velocity method, you’re ready to apply your research to determine the mass of Kepler 452b.