Star spots and planetary transits on distant stars

Astronomers use planet transits to map star spots

Astronomers have found a new way to peek at the blemishes on distant stars—features known as star spots—by carefully studying planets as they cross in front of their host stars. The method, called StarryStarryProcess, was created using data from NASA’s planet-hunting missions Kepler and TESS. It could help scientists better understand not only the stars […] The post Astronomers use planet transits to map star spots appeared first on Knowridge Sc…

Star spots and planetary transits on distant stars

Artist’s concept of the varying brightness of a star with a transiting planet and several star spots. Image via NASA/ Goddard Space Flight Center. NASA is using a new method, StarryStarryProcess, to map star spots. It shows stars with dark, spotty surfaces. This method reveals the number, location and brightness of star spots and combines transit data with star rotation for better accuracy. This process will help scientists study exoplanets mor…