A Planet Detection Tutorial and Simulator AAS 197, January 2001 Session 54.
School children are particularly interested in learning about recent astronomical discoveries.
Scientists have the knowledge and responsibility to present this information in both an understandable and interesting format. An interactive software package on planet detection has been developed. Using the simulator, the student records simulated observations and then analyzes and interprets the data within the program. One can determine the orbit and planet size, the planet's temperature and surface gravity, and finally determine if the planet is habitable. Originally developed for the Macintosh, a web based browser version is being developed.