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Expected Results:
Results may vary based on materials used, setup, procedure, and other factors, however, here are a few examples on what to expect:
• Students should easily see changes in luminosity on the graphs from the probeware.
• The graphs should be aligned at each distance recording.
• From these graphs, students can calculate the frequency of the pendulum passes which would represent the "orbit" size.
Follow-up Teaching Notes:
• Comment
– When conducting this experiment in a small space, either a very small pendulum or a bright light should be used.
The pendulum should not be visible in front of the light.
Add Inquiry:
• Inquiry Idea 1—Increased Solar Activity
– It is recommended that a fluorescent light not be used for the basic experiment. Because fluorescent lights cycle, the light
meter would also record these cycles. Have students repeat the experiment using a fluorescent bulb and isolate the "Planet"
• Inquiry idea 2—Multiple planets
– Utilize multiple pendulums with different frequencies and ask students to determine how many "planets" there are
Disposal/Clean-up:
• There are no materials for disposal
Exoplanet Identification Demonstration (continued)