• Natural Sciences -> Physics and astronomy

• 0 Comment

How do exoplanets differ from planets within our own solar system?

Jeryl Pumphreys

Exoplanets are planets that are different from the planets in our own solar system because they exist outside of our solar system. These planets orbit around other stars, some of which are similar to our sun, but others are completely different. Scientists have found many exoplanets using telescopes and other tools.

One of the biggest differences between exoplanets and planets in our solar system is their size. Some exoplanets are much larger than any of the planets in our solar system, and others are much smaller. Scientists have found planets that are even smaller than Earth, which is the smallest planet in our solar system.

Another big difference is the distance that exoplanets are from their stars. Some exoplanets are very close to their stars and are very hot, while others are very far away and very cold. Some scientists believe that some exoplanets may be in a habitable zone, which is a distance from their star that may allow for water and life to exist.

Exoplanets also have different atmospheres than the planets in our solar system. Scientists use tools like spectrometers to study the light that passes through exoplanets' atmospheres and learn more about what they are made of. Some exoplanets have thick, gassy atmospheres, while others have atmospheres that are thin and rocky.

Even though exoplanets are very different from planets in our solar system, scientists are interested in studying them because they can help us learn more about the universe. By learning about exoplanets, scientists can work to understand how planets form and why they are so different from each other. They can also work to learn more about whether life exists on other planets in the universe.