physicsTopic 8 · Space PhysicsPaper 2Grades 8–9
Which exoplanet claim is scientifically strongest?
Starting scenario
Star S shows a 1.2% brightness dip every 18.4 days. Its spectral lines shift periodically, indicating stellar motion of 32 m s⁻¹. A second candidate shows one 3% dip but no repeated signal. S is a red-shifted galaxy member, and models estimate the star is 6 billion years old.
You will work through 8 staged questions that build up the science you need. Then you will answer one big-picture question from memory, with no checklist to help you — and only afterwards will the full connection map be revealed.