Some exoplanets appear to have very surprising characteristics, namely Jupiter-l

Question

Some exoplanets appear to have very surprising characteristics, namely Jupiter-like masses but very small orbital radii. However, an uncertainty in observational precision may render this observation meaningless. What uncertainty is this? The astrometric method can only give an upper limit for a planet's mass, so exoplanets could be terrestrial planets. The astrometric method can only give a lower limit to the orbital radius, so exoplanets could be orbiting at the proper distance expected for a Jovian planet. The radial velocity method can only give a lower limit for a planet's mass, so exoplanets could be massive brown dwarf or low-mass stars. The radial velocity method cannot distinguish between orbital variations due to a planet and stellar pulsations where the radial velocity variations are caused by the motion of the star's surface. Thus, there may be no planets at all.

Explanation / Answer

Here the uncertinity is,

The radial velocity can only give a lower limit for a planet's mass,so exoplanets could be massive brown dwarf or low -mass stars.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse S
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.