Which term refers to planets that orbit stars outside our Solar System?

Which term refers to planets that orbit stars outside our Solar System?

• A. Planets within our Solar System
• B. Exoplanets
• C. Mercury
• D. Distant worlds

Answer: (B)

Planets that orbit stars beyond the Sun are called exoplanets. The prefix exo- means outside, so exoplanets are worlds outside our Solar System. This term specifically distinguishes them from the planets we know in our own system, which all orbit the Sun. Scientists identify exoplanets by observing effects on their host stars, such as small dips in brightness when a planet passes in front (transits) or subtle wobbles in the star’s motion due to the planet’s gravity (radial velocity). While “distant worlds” is a descriptive phrase, the standard scientific term is exoplanets.

Planets that orbit stars beyond the Sun are called exoplanets. The prefix exo- means outside, so exoplanets are worlds outside our Solar System. This term specifically distinguishes them from the planets we know in our own system, which all orbit the Sun. Scientists identify exoplanets by observing effects on their host stars, such as small dips in brightness when a planet passes in front (transits) or subtle wobbles in the star’s motion due to the planet’s gravity (radial velocity). While “distant worlds” is a descriptive phrase, the standard scientific term is exoplanets.