Question 1:

Which method is commonly used to detect exoplanets?

Explanation: The transit method and the radial velocity method are two common techniques used to detect exoplanets. The transit method involves detecting a dip in brightness as a planet passes in front of its host star, while the radial velocity method measures the wobbling motion of the star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet. Spectroscopy, although used to study exoplanet atmospheres, is not a primary detection method. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Radial velocity method.

Question 2:

What is the Kepler mission known for?

Explanation: The Kepler mission, launched by NASA, is known for discovering thousands of exoplanets. It used the transit method to detect the periodic dimming of stars as planets passed in front of them. While Kepler provided valuable information about the size, orbit, and frequency of exoplanets, it did not focus on mapping surfaces or studying atmospheres. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Discovering thousands of exoplanets.

Question 3:

What is the primary goal of the TESS mission?

Explanation: The primary goal of the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) mission is to search for exoplanets around nearby stars. TESS uses the transit method to monitor the brightness of stars and detect the subtle dimming caused by exoplanets passing in front of them. While TESS provides valuable data for studying exoplanet atmospheres and habitability, its primary objective is exoplanet discovery. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Searching for exoplanets around nearby stars.

Question 4:

Which space telescope is dedicated to characterizing exoplanet atmospheres?

Explanation: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is specifically designed to study exoplanet atmospheres. It will provide detailed observations of exoplanet compositions, temperatures, and potential signs of habitability. The Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, and Spitzer Space Telescope have all contributed to exoplanet research but do not have the same dedicated focus on characterizing exoplanet atmospheres as the JWST. Therefore, the correct answer is B) James Webb Space Telescope.

Question 5:

What is the primary method used by the radial velocity technique to detect exoplanets?

Explanation: The primary method used by the radial velocity technique is monitoring the motion of stars. When a planet orbits a star, both the star and the planet exert gravitational forces on each other. This gravitational interaction causes the star to exhibit a slight wobble, which can be detected through the Doppler shift in the star's spectrum. By measuring these radial velocity changes, astronomers can infer the presence and properties of orbiting exoplanets. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Monitoring the motion of stars.