It is believed that the stellar disk around the star Beta Pictoris contains a Jupiter-size planet.What is the reason behind this belief?
A) The planet was imaged directly by the Hubble Space Telescope.
B) Effects of the intense magnetic field of this planet can be detected by powerful radio telescopes.
C) The gravitational effect of this planet has created an off-center disk of dust and gas around the star.
D) The planet causes a measurable decrease in the brightness of Beta Pictoris when it transits across its disk.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational effect of the Jupiter-size planet has created an off-center disk of dust and gas around the star, which provides evidence of its existence. Option A is not applicable, as the planet has not been imaged directly by the Hubble Space Telescope. Option B is also not applicable, as the intense magnetic field of the planet cannot be detected by radio telescopes. Option D is partially correct, as the planet does cause a decrease in the brightness of Beta Pictoris when it transits across its disk, but this alone is not enough evidence to confirm its existence.

It Is Believed That the Stellar Disk Around the Star