Radial Velocity | Vibepedia

Radial velocity, often called the 'wobble method,' is a cornerstone technique for detecting exoplanets. It hinges on the principle that a star doesn't remain perfectly still; it's tugged by the gravitational pull of orbiting planets, causing it to move slightly towards and away from us. This motion induces a Doppler shift in the star's light – blueshifted when moving towards us, redshifted when moving away. By meticulously measuring these shifts over time, astronomers can infer the presence, mass, and orbital period of unseen planets. While it excels at finding massive planets close to their stars, its sensitivity diminishes for smaller or more distant worlds, presenting a clear frontier for future refinement.