The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a NASA mission designed to discover thousands of exoplanets in orbit around the brightest stars in the sky. By monitoring the brightness of over 200,000 stars, TESS identifies exoplanets through the transit method, significantly expanding our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own solar system.

TESS Mission

Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite

TESS

NASA mission

Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars outside our solar system, providing crucial insights into planetary formation and the potential for life beyond Earth. Their study involves detecting and characterizing these distant worlds to understand their atmospheres, compositions, and potential habitability.

Exoplanets

Brightest stars in the sky

Monitoring the brightness of stars

Identifying exoplanets

The transit method is a technique used in astronomy to detect exoplanets by observing the dimming of a star's light as a planet passes in front of it. This method allows scientists to determine the planet's size, orbital period, and sometimes atmospheric composition, making it a crucial tool in the search for extraterrestrial worlds.

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