If the star is similar to the Sun, what can be inferred about the exoplanet's surface temperature compared to Earth?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Similar temperature
Explanation:
When an exoplanet orbits a star that is similar to the Sun (a Sun-like star) and resides within its habitable zone, it receives a comparable amount of stellar energy. Therefore, its surface temperature can be inferred to be similar to that of Earth, assuming it possesses a similar atmosphere and greenhouse effect to support liquid water.
Key Points:
The habitable zone (often called the Goldilocks zone) is the region around a star where conditions are optimal for liquid water to exist on an planet's surface.
Stellar luminosity and orbital distance are the primary factors that determine the equilibrium temperature of an exoplanet.
Earth serves as the primary benchmark when studying potentially habitable exoplanets orbiting solar-type stars.
Important Questions and Answers:
Question: What is the term for the region around a star where a planet can support liquid water?
Answer: The habitable zone.
Question: What factors primarily dictate an exoplanet's surface temperature?
Answer: Stellar luminosity, distance from the star, and atmospheric composition (greenhouse effect).