Questions for “Rogue planets wander the galaxy all alone”
A newfound planet (seen here in an illustration) is about the mass of Earth and has no sun. Instead, it floats through the galaxy alone.
NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (Caltech-IPAC)
To accompany “Rogue planets wander the galaxy all alone”
SCIENCE
Before Reading:
1. How do planets form? What force keeps planets orbiting their stars?
2. How do planets differ from asteroids and comets?
During Reading:
1. How many planets without stars have astronomers found over the past 20 years?
2. What might be some reasons orphan planets no longer orbit a star?
3. What is the official definition of a planet, according to the International Astronomical Union?
4. What’s the difference between an orphaned planet and an asteroid or comet?
5. What is the difference between an orphan planet and a star?
6. How do scientists detect most planets outside our solar system?
7. What is gravitational lensing?
8 In what country is the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) located?
9. Who is Nancy Grace Roman and why is she important?
After Reading:
1. Use your imagination and describe what the environment would be like on an orphan planet if you were to travel to one.
2. Explain why a space-based telescope can yield more information than a telescope on Earth.