Extrasolar Planets

Paper Summary:

This paper examines recent discoveries in the search for extrasolar planets. The author also discusses how this has become a viable area of research in astronomy. This study is divided into six sections. They include: definition of planets, how planets form, methods of detection, properties of extrasolar planets, and future implications of detection. The paper concludes acknowledging how extrasolar planetary research has opened up avenues of thought and possibilities that were seen as impossible just a few decades ago.

Outline:
Introduction and History
Definition of Planets and Extrasolar Planets
How Extrasolar Planets Form
Methods of Detection
Properties of Extrasolar Planets
Future Implications of Detection
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The search for extrasolar planets has a long history. The notion that there might be other worlds existing in the heavens can be demonstrated as far back as ancient Greece. In more modern times, a Catholic monk was condemned for heresy in 1584 for suggesting that the sky was populated by countless suns and countless other Earths ("From Intuition" par. 1). The purpose of this essay is to describe and analyze the current search for extrasolar planets that has produced significant results within the last decade. What was once a fanciful possibility in astronomy has become a viable avenue of research, with new extrasolar planets being discovered every year. The remainder of this study will be divided into six sections. They include: definition of planets, how planets form, methods of detection, properties of extrasolar planets, future implications of detection, and conclusions."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boss, Alan P. "On the Search for Extrasolar Planets." Daedalus 133.3 (Summer 2004): 116-119.
• Britt, Robert Roy. "What Is a Planet? Debate Forces New Definition." Science.com. 2 Nov. 2000. 3 Mar. 2006 <http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/solarsystem/planet_confusion_001101-1.html>.
• Corbett, Dan, Stafford, Kate, and Wright, Patrick. "Planet Formation." ThinkQuest. 3 Mar. 2006 <http://library.thinkquest.org/27930/planet_formation.htm>.
• Cowen, Ron. "Planet Formation on the Fast Track." Science News Online. 25 Jan. 2003. 6 Mar. 2006 <http://www.phschool.com/science/science_news/articles/planet_formation.html>.
• "Extrasolar Planet." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Mar. 2006. 6 Mar. 2006 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra-solar_planets#Methods_of_detection>.

More papers on Extrasolar Planets:

• Descriptive Essay # 113477 : "Pluto's Demotion from Fully-Fledged Planet"
• Comparison Essay # 120853 : "Planets"
• Analytical Essay # 123385 : "Astro-Biology and Planets"

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