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This animation shows an exoplanet passing in front of its star. During this passage (known as a transit), the light from the star weakens slightly. As a result, a type of eclipse occurs that 'reveals' the planet. The space telescope CoRoT (Convection, Rotation and Planetary Transits) can use this transit method to find extrasolar planets.
Animation: CNES, Patrice Amoyel.
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