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  1. Home
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  3. Transit Method
Observational Astronomy

Transit Method

Definition

A technique for detecting exoplanets by measuring a star's dimming as a planet passes in front. The most successful detection method, with Kepler alone discovering thousands. It reveals planet size, orbital period, and sometimes atmospheric composition.

Related Terms

Exoplanet

A planet orbiting a star outside our solar system. Thousands have been found since the first confirmed discovery in 1992...

Habitable Zone

The region around a star where liquid water could exist on a planet's surface, often called the Goldilocks zone. It vari...

Spectroscopy

The study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. In astronomy, it reveals composition, tempera...

Explore Related Topics

Dive deeper into transit method and related concepts on Cosmos Observatory.

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Visible planets, moon phase, and sunrise times.

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Full Glossary

Browse all 66+ space and astronomy terms.

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