Detecting planets around other stars help

[amyskinner]

The position of the Ralos System is such that it allows the inhabitants of Htrae to observe a far-away star known as eDf456 (this is the star that we know as the Sun).


(Q) The people of Htrae suspect that eDf456 might have a planetary system and are interested in investigating this further. Bear in mind that they couldn't know beforehand whether the suspected planetary system was face-on, edge-on, or something in between. describe in general terms
(i.e. without going into details of planetary masses, orbits, relative distances, etc.) the principles of detecting planets around other stars. Include in your answer a brief explanation of the suitability or otherwise of each detection technique for systems in specific orientations.

[gen2]

You have two choices.

1) Regurgitate what your tutor wans by extracting the relevant details from your lecture notes.

or

2) Realise that the Htrae beings may be far more advanced in their knowledge and technology, so invent something that they could be using to detect planets. It is highly unlikely that your tutor will be in direct contact with the Htraeans so he will be unable to refute your claims.
You'll have to make it convincinng though.

[jake-the-peg]

Here you go - fill your boots!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methods_of_detect ing_extrasolar_planets