THE TRANSIT METHOD: A POWERFUL TOOL FOR TEACHING ASTROBIOLOGY IN SECONDARY EDUCATION
Instituto Politécnico Nacional (MEXICO)
About this paper:
Conference name: 16th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 1-3 July, 2024
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
Astrobiology is the science that studies life in the universe, including its origin, evolution, distribution, and future. The detection of exoplanets, i.e., planets orbiting stars outside the solar system, is one of the most active areas of astrobiology. The impact of astrobiology and exoplanet detection on STEM development in CECyT 2 students is significant. These areas of study foster students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). First, astrobiology is an interdisciplinary science that requires knowledge from a wide range of STEM disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, and astronomy. This makes it an attractive discipline for students who are interested in learning about different areas of science. Second, exoplanet detection is a field of research that is constantly developing. Advances in this area are motivating students to learn about the latest discoveries and to participate in scientific research. Third, astrobiology and exoplanet detection have a significant impact on society. Discoveries of exoplanets could have implications for the future of humanity, as they could indicate the existence of life elsewhere in the universe. This makes these areas of study relevant to students who are interested in the impact of science on the world. Now, The transit method is one of the most widely used methods for exoplanet detection. This method is based on the observation of a slight decrease in the brightness of a star when a planet passes in front of it. When a planet transits in front of its star, it blocks a small part of the light emitted by the star. This causes a decrease in the star's brightness, which can be detected by telescopes and other instruments. The magnitude of the decrease in the star's brightness depends on the size of the planet and its distance from the star. A large planet that is close to its star will produce a more significant decrease in brightness than a small planet that is far from its star. The transit method can also be used to determine the size and mass of the planet. The size of the planet can be determined by measuring the depth of the transit. The mass of the planet can be determined by measuring the time it takes for the planet to complete a transit. The transit method has been used for the detection of more than 4,000 exoplanets. This method is particularly effective for the detection of exoplanets that are large and close to their stars. By implementing these activities, CECyT 2 can contribute to the development of STEM in students, awakening their interest in astrobiology and exoplanet detection.Keywords:
Exoplanet, transit, astronomy, detection, attenuation, brightness, star, shadow, flashlight, size, mass, orbital period, atmospheric composition, formation, evolution, planetary system.