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Exoplanets Discovery Methods
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Transit method
This method detects distant planets by measuring the dimming of a star as an orbiting planet passes between it and Earth. An example of a discovery using this method would be the plethora of exoplanets found by the Kepler Space Telescope.
Gravitational microlensing
Based on the Einstein's theory of relativity, this method observes the light from a distant star being temporarily magnified by the presence of other stars in the foreground. An example of this method is the discovery of exoplanet OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb.
Radial velocity method
This technique measures variations in the speed with which a star moves toward or away from Earth, influenced by gravitational tugs from an orbiting planet. Notable discoveries include the first confirmed exoplanets around the star 51 Pegasi.
Direct imaging
Involves taking pictures of exoplanets by blocking out the starlight to reduce its glare and enhance the visibility of the orbiting planets. Examples include the exoplanets around the star HR 8799.
Astrometry
This method measures the precise movements of stars on the sky's plane to detect the gravitational influence of orbiting planets. Examples are hard to come by due to the method's current sensitivity, but the European Space Agency's Gaia mission is expected to contribute with this method.
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