The graph illustrates the orbit of a transiting rocky exoplanet like Gliese 486b around its host star (IMAGE)

Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)

The graph illustrates the orbit of a transiting rocky exoplanet like Gliese 486b around its host star

Caption

The graph illustrates the orbit of a transiting rocky exoplanet like Gliese 486b around its host star. During the transit, the planet eclipses the stellar disk. Simultaneously, a small portion of the starlight passes through the planet's atmosphere. As Gliese 486b continues to orbit, parts of the illuminated hemisphere become visible as phases until the planet disappears behind the star.

Credit

MPIA Graphics Department.

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