Exoplanets II :: Flux Physics

Exoplanets II

Need a refresher on solar systems, galaxies, and the universe?
Read Space 101.

Looking for our essay on exoplanets?
Read Exoplanets.

An Introduction to Exoplanets: A video by National Geographic giving a brief introduction to exoplanets
The Solar System to Scale: Creating a model solar system on a lakebed in Nevada
Life and Death of a Planetary System: A short video from NASA revealing the life cycle of a planetary system
The Size of the Milky Way Galaxy: A short video from NASA explaining light-time and the size of the Milky Way
Exoplanets Crash Course (GCSE): A video which discusses when and how exoplanets have been discovered as well as a bit on the scientific method
How to Measure Extreme Distances: TED-Ed lesson explaining light years and how scientists measure objects far away
Planet Just Like Earth: A National Geographic documentary going on an ‘alien safari’, exploring exoplanets
The Earth as a Grain of Sand: Modelling the universe to scale, with the Earth as a grain of sand

The Size of Space: A simulation demonstrating the size of objects in space.
Virtual Reality Tour of Six Exoplanets: For schools with access to VR headsets, this video takes you on a tour of six exoplanets (also works great without VR headsets!).
If the Moon Were Only One Pixel: A tediously accurate scale model of the Solar System.
Exoplanet Explorers: A cinematic glimpse into the future of space exploration.

Unique and Rare Properties of Exoplanets Discovered by Hubble: (2019) A short article from NASA discussing new data on Kepler 51 exoplanets which have very low density
Formation of Planets: (2020) Astronomers have captured images of the inner rims of planet-forming disks located hundreds of light years away
Exoplanet Disappearance: (2020) What scientists’ thought was a planet beyond our solar system has 'vanished’
Discovery of Earth-Size Exoplanet: (2020) A reanalysis of data from NASA's Kepler space telescope has revealed an Earth-size exoplanet orbiting in its star's habitable zone

Exoplanet Colouring Book: A NASA colouring resource for younger students to download and print
STEM Learning Exoplanets (KS3/ STEM Club): Students investigate exoplanets in groups
IOP Exoplanet Physics Practical (KS3/STEM Club): Five curriculum-linked practical activities for 11- to 14-year-olds
ESA Secondary (KS4/KS5): Orbits and Centre of Mass activity
ESA Secondary Biology (KS3/KS4): An activity where students consider whether life will survive in alien environments
ESA Secondary Science (KS4/KS5): This demonstration and practical activity, along with the resulting discussion, gives an insight into the chemical constituents of comets
ESA Secondary Physics (KS4): It is a common misconception among students that planetary orbits are circular. This practical activity gives a space setting to speed-time graphs. An extension activity which looks at the geometry of ellipses and their relation to physical parameters in the Solar System is included
ESA Secondary Biology (KS3/KS4): In this set of experimental activities, students will investigate the survival abilities of tardigrades also known as water bears.

Planetary Society Information: A guide to the different kind of exoplanets
NASA’s Exoplanet Archive: Data and statistics freely available from NASA
National Schools Observatory: An introduction to exoplanets, with detail on discovery techniques.
The University of Exeter Astrophysics Department: Information on current research methods.
Exoclimatology: The homepage of the University of Exeter's Exoplanet Theory Group (EETG), specialising in exoclimatology. Exploring our galaxy one atmosphere at a time.
Earth as a Grain of Sand [article]: Another look at the vast scale of the universe.

Need a refresher on solar systems, galaxies, and the universe?
Read Space 101.

Looking for our essay on exoplanets?
Read Exoplanets.

Exoplanets II is the last article in the Astrophysics series.