Exoplanet Basics
What is an exoplanet?
A planet outside our solar system
What is the “Goldilocks Zone”?
The zone where conditions may support life
What does NASA stand for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
What is Earth’s “cousin” exoplanet?
Kepler-452b
What do scientists look for as a sign of life?
Water and certain gases like oxygen or methane
How are most exoplanets discovered?
Transit method
Why is water important for life?
All known life needs water to survive
What mission discovered thousands of exoplanets?
Kepler
Which planet is in the habitable zone of TOI-700?
TOI-700 d
What is astrobiology?
The study of life in the universe
What tool helps detect light from distant planets?
A telescope
What star types are best for finding habitable planets?
Small, cool stars (like red dwarfs)
What mission is currently finding planets around nearby stars?
TESS
What kind of exoplanet is Kepler-22b?
Super-Earth
Why is Earth’s atmosphere important to life?
It protects and traps heat
What is a light-year?
The distance light travels in one year
What determines a planet’s surface temperature?
Distance from its star and atmosphere
What telescope can study exoplanet atmospheres?
James Webb Space Telescope
Which system has 7 Earth-sized planets?
TRAPPIST-1
What gas on Earth is a sign of photosynthesis?
Oxygen
Which planet type is most common among exoplanets?
Super-Earths
Why can't gas giants be habitable for humans?
They lack a solid surface and have extreme atmospheres
What is NASA’s goal in studying exoplanets?
To find habitable worlds and signs of life
What makes Kepler-186f special?
It’s Earth-sized and in the habitable zone
What does the Drake Equation estimate?
The number of civilizations in our galaxy