Write a cautious science result
See this course’s project requirements
A small exoplanet-signal investigation with a graph, depth and period calculations, a NASA archive comparison and an evidence-based report.
Keep your working files in your own notebook or software. Save a private description, checklist, and work link in My Proof.
What to include
- A provenance note that clearly labels the synthetic fixture.
- A 20-point XY chart with correct time and relative-flux labels.
- Checked baseline, depth, radius-ratio approximation and period calculations.
- A comparison of detected signals, candidates and archive records.
- Input CSV, working calculations, graph and short report with limits.
Review and revise
Use these criteria to check your work and choose what to improve.
- The plotted values and units agree with the fixture.
- The calculations can be reproduced from stated inputs.
- Synthetic, observed and predicted information are distinguished.
- The conclusion stays within the supplied evidence.
Want more background?
The idea in everyday life
Use the synthetic workbook and notes. Expected values: baseline 1, minimum 0.99, depth 1%, simplified radius ratio 0.1, repeat period 3 days, next center predicted near 10 days.
A useful result states what was measured, how it was calculated and what remains unresolved.
Write a cautious science result — guided practice
Combine the graph, calculation and limits into one inspectable report.
Use the synthetic workbook and notes. Expected values: baseline 1, minimum 0.99, depth 1%, simplified radius ratio 0.1, repeat period 3 days, next center predicted near 10 days.
1. Draft the result
In a plain-text editor write a short report with headings Data, Method, Result, Limits. Under Data, state original synthetic fixture, 20 samples, time in days and relative flux. Under Method, name XY plot, designated baseline average and center spacing.
You should see: The report identifies both the data and the procedure.
Another learner should be able to repeat the numbers without guessing.
2. Report the numbers with units
Under Result, state depth 1%, approximate repeat interval 3 days and conditional next center day 10. Include radius ratio 0.1 only with the uniform-brightness approximation. Do not infer temperature, habitability or absolute size.
You should see: Every numerical result has a meaning and appropriate qualification.
The available columns do not support unrelated physical properties.
3. Name limits and next evidence
Under Limits, write synthetic data, uneven sparse sampling, simplified depth estimate, and unconfirmed physical cause. Add one real-data next step from the archive comparison.
You should see: The conclusion describes a transit-like practice pattern rather than a discovery.
Useful uncertainty tells the reader what more would be needed.
4. Package and reproduce
Save the report, ODS, CSV and chart. To save a chart image, right-click the chart and choose Export as Image if available, or copy it into Writer and export a one-page PDF. Reopen the files and verify the 20 samples and the displayed formulas.
You should see: The handoff contains the input, working calculations, graph and bounded result.
A reproducible bundle preserves the evidence behind the conclusion.
What to finish
A reproducible science report with chart, data, calculations and limits.
Watch for this
Writing a stronger conclusion than the evidence supports.
How can I tell I understand it?
Explain the result, reproduce the procedure, and complete the changed-input check.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
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Pass the check. We’ll save the progress.
Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
NASA | Alien Atmospheres
From NASA Goddard. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
Optional course overview. Follow the written steps below at your own pace.Tools, templates, and lesson sources
Tools and templates
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Sources and further reading
Explore the references behind this lesson.
Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-12
Read transit, radial-velocity and spectroscopy explanations; course makes no current planet-count claim.
Access: Public reading without a paid account; reviewed September 12, 2026.
Reuse: Link only. Lessons and practice assets are original; free access does not grant permission to copy the provider's material.
Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-12
Read archive holdings, data types, original literature links and public tools. No live table operation or data download is claimed.
Access: Public reading without a paid account; reviewed September 12, 2026.
Reuse: Link only. Lessons and practice assets are original; free access does not grant permission to copy the provider's material.
Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-12
Read distinctions among public planet, candidate and survey data resources. The course light curve is explicitly original synthetic data.
Access: Public reading without a paid account; reviewed September 12, 2026.
Reuse: Link only. Lessons and practice assets are original; free access does not grant permission to copy the provider's material.
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