
Here you'll find a detailed and straightforward explanation of why infrared is the wavelength of choice for studying the atmospheres of exoplanets. Astronomers discuss the reasons for the use of infrared in language your students can understand. In short, "It is at the infrared wavelengths that molecules in the atmospheres of exoplanets have the largest number of spectral features." NASA Blueshift is a collection of podcasts, blogs, and downloads that focus on groundbreaking discoveries, new missions, and innovative new technologies. It is a product of the Astrophysics Science Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

This short article could serve well as a flipped lesson in the advantages and disadvantages of using the Transit Method for detecting exoplanets. It explains how the method is employed and gives an overview of selected photometry projects for locating exoplanets. Appropriate for beginners.

This comprehensive article by astrophysicist Michael Richmond uses multiple graphs and diagrams to explore how spectral data from Earth-based observatories is used to detect atmospheric features in exoplanets. Dr. Richmond goes into detail to explain the inherent challenges in producing reliable data about exoplanet atmospheric properties. Great choice for teachers seeking content support in spectral analysis of exoplanets.

This free-access tutorial could serve as a refresher for instructors or as a tutorial for students. Why We Like It: The author, physics professor Michael Fowler, anticipates the sticking points where students get confused about how radiation is absorbed, and makes the concepts more understandable. He does a great job of explaining the relationship between absorption and emission of radiation in a way learners can comprehend. All this is covered before introducing Stefan's Law, Wien's Displacement Law, and the blackbody curve.