Exoplanet research is now one of the most populated fields of space studies and astrophysics making it known as to why we search for new planets, to eventually find new life. By using the right technologies including telescopes and satellites, we can identify the properties, locations, orbital patterns, and distance of these planets. The habitable zones of a star orbiting planets are understood through the use of astrometry and the transit photometry method is used to help us understand the distance from the star and the planet as well as its orbit patterns. We are able to discover whether a planet is habitable based on its water composition type. To be classified as a habitable planet it must have liquid water. The monitoring of exoplanets allows us to see the processes the planet goes through as well as how the gasses in the atmosphere act when in orbit. Comparing this information to its different properties such as density, volume, and mass as well as the properties of the host star we are able to identify the chances of the planet's habitability. There is an estimated amount of at least 40 billion Earth-like planets orbiting in habitable zones of sun-like stars based on previous data. Using a compiled amount of results we are able to determine whether a specific planet is safe for life to settle on.
Research Paper by Shayar Joshi Grade 10, Greenville County, South Carolina