What fundamental property does astrometry chart across the sky to detect exoplanets?
Answer
The star's precise path and positional shift
Astrometry is defined as the astronomical practice of measuring the precise positions and motions of stars. It functions by charting the star's subtle dance or wobble in its path across the sky. This movement is caused by the gravitational tug of an orbiting planet pulling the star slightly off its expected trajectory relative to much more distant, fixed background stars. This method specifically focuses on mapping this minute positional displacement, unlike radial velocity which measures color shifts or transit which measures light dips.
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How Does Astrometry Detect Exoplanets?
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