Exoplanet research is the study of planets that exist outside of our solar system. Scientists use a variety of methods to detect and study these distant worlds, including observing the light from stars as exoplanets pass in front of them, measuring the gravitational influence of planets on their parent stars, and analyzing the composition of exoplanet atmospheres. This field of research has exploded in recent decades with the development of new technologies and telescopes, revealing thousands of exoplanets ranging from rocky, Earth-like worlds to massive gas giants. Exoplanet research seeks to understand the diversity of planetary systems in our galaxy, as well as the potential for finding planets that could potentially harbor life.