Find the repeating starlight dip
20 minutes · Paper · Pencil · Ruler
Your investigation
- Draw a graph with observation numbers 1 to 12 along the bottom and brightness from 90 to 100 up the side.
- Plot these pretend readings: 100, 100, 94, 100, 100, 94, 100, 100, 94, 100, 100, 94.
- Circle the dips and predict the next observation number with a dip if the pattern continues.
- Write why another explanation still needs to be checked.
Think, draw, explain
What is the spacing between dips?
Do these invented measurements prove a real exoplanet exists?
Grown-up guide & possible answers
- Dips occur every three observations: 3, 6, 9, 12. The next predicted dip is observation 15.
- No. The data are simulated. Real repeating dips can suggest transits, but other causes and instrument errors must be tested.