Final answer:
To find exoplanets using the radial velocity method, collect high-quality spectra of a star over time and analyze it for periodic shifts indicating a wobble caused by an orbiting planet. This can reveal the planet's mass and orbit, and this method has successfully detected numerous exoplanets, including around Proxima Centauri.
Step-by-step explanation:
To search for exoplanets using the radial velocity method, you would first aim the telescope with a specialized spectrograph at a star to collect its light spectrum. You would take multiple very high-quality spectra over a period to detect any periodic shifts in the star's light due to the Doppler effect, which may suggest the presence of an orbiting planet causing the star to wobble. These shifts correspond to the star's radial velocity changes, observable as tiny shifts in the wavelengths of light from the star.
Analyzing this data involves looking for regular patterns in the variation of the star's radial velocity that implies a gravitational pull from a planet. For instance, a repeating shift in the spectral lines with a consistent period might indicate an orbiting planet pulling on the star. The measurements can reveal the mass and orbital period of the planet. If multiple planets are inducing velocity changes, sophisticated algorithms can separate these signals to characterize the entire planetary system.
The technique is most effective for detecting large planets near their host stars but less sensitive for small or distant planets. Throughout years, the radial velocity method has led to the detection of hundreds of planets, confirming its validity and usefulness in exoplanetary research. Notably, it has been applied to discover a planet orbiting Proxima Centauri, showcasing that even the nearest stars can host exoplanets.