Exoplanet: meaning, definitions and examples
🪐
exoplanet
[ ˈɛksəˌploʊnɪt ]
astronomy
An exoplanet, or extrasolar planet, is a planet that orbits a star outside of our solar system. These celestial bodies can vary in size and composition, ranging from gas giants to Earth-sized rocky planets. The study of exoplanets has grown significantly in recent years, primarily due to advancements in space-based telescopes that can detect their presence by observing the light from their host stars. The discovery of exoplanets raises important questions about the potential for life beyond Earth, as scientists seek to identify planets that may be within their star's habitable zone.
Synonyms
alien planet, extrasolar planet.
Examples of usage
- The Kepler mission discovered thousands of exoplanets.
- Astronomers are looking for exoplanets suitable for life.
- The study of exoplanets reveals diverse planetary systems.
- Some exoplanets can be almost identical to Earth in composition.
Translations
Translations of the word "exoplanet" in other languages:
🇵🇹 exoplaneta
🇮🇳 एक्सोप्लैनेट
🇩🇪 Exoplanet
🇮🇩 exoplanet
🇺🇦 екзопланета
🇵🇱 ekzoplaneta
🇯🇵 系外惑星
🇫🇷 exoplanète
🇪🇸 exoplaneta
🇹🇷 egzoplanet
🇰🇷 외계 행성
🇸🇦 كوكب خارج المجموعة الشمسية
🇨🇿 exoplaneta
🇸🇰 exoplanéta
🇨🇳 系外行星
🇸🇮 ekzoplanet
🇮🇸 exoplanet
🇰🇿 экзопланета
🇬🇪 ექსოპლანეტა
🇦🇿 ekzoplanet
🇲🇽 exoplaneta
Etymology
The term 'exoplanet' is a blend of the prefix 'exo-', which comes from the Greek word 'exō', meaning 'outside' or 'external', and 'planet', derived from the Latin word 'planeta', which in turn came from the Greek word 'planētēs' meaning 'wanderer'. This nomenclature began to gain traction in the 1990s as astronomers discovered planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system. The first confirmed exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star was discovered in 1995, marking a significant milestone in astronomy. Since then, the study of exoplanets has evolved into a major field of research, fueled by technological advancements and international collaborations in space exploration, leading to the identification of thousands of exoplanets with varying characteristics and potential for habitability.