How Can Astronomers Tell a Planet Transit Signal From a Binary Star?

Asked 15 hours ago 16 views

0

When a planet passes in front of its star, the star’s brightness dips slightly. But a binary star system can also produce repeating dips, which seems like it could confuse a planet search.

What observations help distinguish a planet transit signal from the eclipse of a dim companion star? I’m interested in how astronomers check that a promising light curve really points to a planet rather than another object in the same field.

0 Answers


Write Your Answer