transiting exoplanets
Transiting exoplanets are planets that orbit a star and pass in front of it from our viewpoint on Earth. This transit causes a temporary dimming of the star's light, which can be measured by telescopes. By analyzing this light curve, scientists can determine the planet's size, orbit, and distance from the star.
The Kepler Space Telescope was instrumental in discovering many transiting exoplanets. It monitored thousands of stars for these small dips in brightness, leading to the identification of thousands of potential planets. This method has significantly advanced our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own.