exoplanet
/ˈɛk.soʊˌplæn.ɪt/
Definition
A planet that orbits a star outside of our own solar system.
Etymology
The word is a hybrid construction derived from the Greek prefix 'exo-' meaning 'outside' and the Greek word 'planētēs' meaning 'wanderer.' It entered modern scientific usage in the late 20th century to distinguish these distant bodies from the planets within our own solar system.
In the news
While the article focuses on Venus and Earth, it categorizes exoplanets as a key area of study within the 'Universe' section of NASA's website. It represents the broader field of planetary science that students are encouraged to explore through NASA-inspired challenges.
Northwest Earth and Space Science Pathways Project Celebrates Student Innovation Through ROADS from Earth to Venus National Challenge
Read the full article ↗NASA Science (.gov)