What term refers to planets that orbit stars other than the Sun?

What term refers to planets that orbit stars other than the Sun?

• A. Exoplanets
• B. Planetoids
• C. Asteroids
• D. Satellites

Answer: (A)

Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than the Sun. The prefix exo- means outside, so exoplanet literally denotes a planet outside our solar system. This term is used to distinguish these worlds from planets, asteroids, or moons that reside within our own Sun’s system. The other options refer to different kinds of bodies: planetoids and asteroids are small objects primarily found in our solar system, while satellites are moons that orbit planets. Exoplanets are identified around other stars using methods like watching for a star’s dimming as a planet passes in front (transits) or detecting wobbles in the star’s motion (radial velocity).

Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than the Sun. The prefix exo- means outside, so exoplanet literally denotes a planet outside our solar system. This term is used to distinguish these worlds from planets, asteroids, or moons that reside within our own Sun’s system. The other options refer to different kinds of bodies: planetoids and asteroids are small objects primarily found in our solar system, while satellites are moons that orbit planets. Exoplanets are identified around other stars using methods like watching for a star’s dimming as a planet passes in front (transits) or detecting wobbles in the star’s motion (radial velocity).