Exoplanets

  1. Detection Methods and Techniques
    1. Indirect Detection Approaches
      1. Radial Velocity Method
        1. Physical Principle of Stellar Wobble
          1. Observational Technique
            1. High-Resolution Spectroscopy
              1. Spectrograph Calibration Methods
                1. Wavelength Reference Systems
                2. Data Analysis and Processing
                  1. Radial Velocity Curve Fitting
                    1. Orbital Parameter Extraction
                      1. Statistical Analysis Methods
                      2. Derived Planetary Properties
                        1. Minimum Mass Determination
                          1. Orbital Period and Semi-Major Axis
                            1. Orbital Eccentricity
                              1. Argument of Periastron
                              2. Method Limitations and Biases
                                1. Mass-Period Detection Bias
                                  1. Stellar Activity Interference
                                    1. Instrumental Precision Limits
                                      1. Long-Period Planet Challenges
                                    2. Transit Photometry Method
                                      1. Physical Principle of Stellar Dimming
                                        1. Observational Requirements
                                          1. Photometric Precision Needs
                                            1. Temporal Sampling Requirements
                                              1. Geometric Probability Considerations
                                              2. Light Curve Analysis
                                                1. Transit Depth and Duration
                                                  1. Ingress and Egress Characteristics
                                                    1. Limb Darkening Effects
                                                      1. Secondary Eclipse Detection
                                                      2. Derived Planetary Properties
                                                        1. Planetary Radius Calculation
                                                          1. Orbital Inclination
                                                            1. Stellar Density Constraints
                                                              1. Atmospheric Scale Height
                                                              2. Advanced Transit Techniques
                                                                1. Transit Timing Variations
                                                                  1. Transit Duration Variations
                                                                    1. Multi-Color Photometry
                                                                    2. Method Limitations and False Positives
                                                                      1. Geometric Transit Probability
                                                                        1. Eclipsing Binary Contamination
                                                                          1. Background Star Blending
                                                                            1. Validation Techniques
                                                                          2. Gravitational Microlensing
                                                                            1. General Relativity and Light Bending
                                                                              1. Microlensing Event Characteristics
                                                                                1. Einstein Ring Formation
                                                                                  1. Light Curve Morphology
                                                                                    1. Event Timescales and Parameters
                                                                                    2. Planetary Microlensing Signatures
                                                                                      1. Caustic Crossing Events
                                                                                        1. Anomaly Detection in Light Curves
                                                                                        2. Derived Properties
                                                                                          1. Planet-to-Star Mass Ratio
                                                                                            1. Projected Planet-Star Separation
                                                                                              1. Lens Distance Estimates
                                                                                              2. Observational Challenges
                                                                                                1. Event Rarity and Unpredictability
                                                                                                  1. Real-Time Detection Requirements
                                                                                                    1. Follow-up Coordination
                                                                                                  2. Astrometric Detection
                                                                                                    1. Principle of Stellar Position Measurement
                                                                                                      1. Technical Requirements
                                                                                                        1. Microarcsecond Precision Needs
                                                                                                          1. Reference Frame Stability
                                                                                                            1. Systematic Error Control
                                                                                                            2. Space-Based Astrometry Missions
                                                                                                              1. Hipparcos Legacy
                                                                                                                1. Gaia Mission Capabilities
                                                                                                                  1. Future Astrometry Concepts
                                                                                                                  2. Derived Properties
                                                                                                                    1. True Planetary Mass
                                                                                                                      1. Complete Orbital Solutions
                                                                                                                        1. System Inclination
                                                                                                                      2. Additional Indirect Methods
                                                                                                                        1. Relativistic Beaming
                                                                                                                          1. Doppler Boosting Effects
                                                                                                                            1. Observational Requirements
                                                                                                                            2. Ellipsoidal Variations
                                                                                                                              1. Tidal Distortion of Host Star
                                                                                                                                1. Phase-Dependent Brightness Changes
                                                                                                                                2. Pulsar Timing
                                                                                                                                  1. Millisecond Pulsar Precision
                                                                                                                                    1. Timing Residual Analysis
                                                                                                                                3. Direct Detection Methods
                                                                                                                                  1. Direct Imaging Techniques
                                                                                                                                    1. Fundamental Challenge of Contrast Ratio
                                                                                                                                      1. Starlight Suppression Technologies
                                                                                                                                        1. Coronagraphic Techniques
                                                                                                                                          1. Lyot Coronagraphs
                                                                                                                                            1. Vortex Coronagraphs
                                                                                                                                              1. Four-Quadrant Phase Masks
                                                                                                                                              2. Adaptive Optics Systems
                                                                                                                                                1. Atmospheric Turbulence Correction
                                                                                                                                                  1. Wavefront Sensing and Control
                                                                                                                                                    1. Laser Guide Star Systems
                                                                                                                                                    2. Space-Based Advantages
                                                                                                                                                    3. Image Processing and Analysis
                                                                                                                                                      1. Speckle Suppression Techniques
                                                                                                                                                        1. Angular Differential Imaging
                                                                                                                                                          1. Spectral Differential Imaging
                                                                                                                                                            1. Point Spread Function Subtraction
                                                                                                                                                            2. Derived Properties from Direct Imaging
                                                                                                                                                              1. Orbital Separation and Position Angle
                                                                                                                                                                1. Planetary Brightness and Colors
                                                                                                                                                                  1. Spectroscopic Characterization
                                                                                                                                                                    1. Orbital Motion Detection
                                                                                                                                                                    2. Current Limitations and Future Prospects
                                                                                                                                                                      1. Detection Bias Toward Young, Massive Planets
                                                                                                                                                                        1. Inner Working Angle Constraints
                                                                                                                                                                          1. Next-Generation Instrumentation