Image for Transit Photometry

Transit Photometry

Transit photometry is a technique used to detect exoplanets by observing the slight dimming of a star’s light when a planet passes in front of it. As the planet crosses the star’s face, it blocks a small amount of light, causing a temporary decrease in brightness. By measuring these periodic dips, astronomers can confirm the planet’s presence, estimate its size, and learn about its orbit. This method is highly effective for discovering new planets and understanding their characteristics, especially when combined with other observational techniques.