Question

What kind of information can be obtained using the radial velocity method, and what are the selection effects/biases associated with this method?

A) Mass, Orbital Period; Biases in Detecting Close-In Planets
B) Atmosphere Composition, Magnetic Fields; Biases in Detecting Gas Giants
C) Surface Temperature, Planetary Age; Biases in Detecting Exomoons
D) Stellar Luminosity, Planetary Albedo; Biases in Detecting Low-Mass Stars

Answer 1

The radial velocity method allows us to obtain information on the mass and orbital period of planets orbiting other stars. However, there are biases associated with this method, such as the easier detection of large and short-period planets.

Step-by-step explanation:

The radial velocity method is a technique used by astronomers to detect planets orbiting other stars. This method measures the variation in the star's radial velocity as the planet goes around the star, which allows us to obtain information such as the mass and orbital period of the planet. This technique is most sensitive to large planets orbiting close to the star, as they produce the greatest wobble in their stars.

However, there are selection effects or biases associated with this method. Large planets are easier to detect than small ones, and short-period planets are easier to detect than long-period ones. Additionally, if we require a certain number of transits to establish the presence of a planet, we are limited to discovering planets with orbital periods less than that required number of transits. These biases can affect the types of planets that are detected using the radial velocity method.