The radial velocity method

The radial velocity method of detecting exoplanets looks for tiny backwards and forwards motion of the central star, due to the changing direction of the gravitational pull from an (unseen) orbiting exoplanet. If the star is moving towards us its spectrum is blueshifted, and redshifted correspondingly when it moves away from us. By looking for regular shifts in the spectrum of the star — and so measuring any velocity changes — any periodic effects due to the influence of a companion can be seen.

Credit:

ESO/H. Zodet

About the Video

Id:eso0915g
Release date:21 April 2009
Related releases:eso0915
Duration:20 s
Frame rate:30 fps

About the Object

Type:Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Planetary System
Category:Exoplanets
Stars

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