What specific geometric alignment is necessary for the transit method to successfully observe an exoplanet?
Answer
The exoplanet's orbital plane must be oriented nearly edge-on from Earth.
The transit method requires the orbiting body to pass directly between its parent star and the observer. This is only possible when the orbital plane is aligned nearly edge-on relative to the observer's line of sight.
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Searching for Exoplanets: The Transit Method - YouTube
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