Exoplanets
In short
Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars located outside of our own Solar System. They exist in the vast space between the stars of our galaxy.
In plain words
Most planets we see in the sky are part of our own solar system. Exoplanets are different because they belong to other star systems far away. Scientists use special telescopes to find them.
A simple example
A planet orbiting Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our Sun, is an exoplanet. It is not part of our local family of planets like Earth or Mars.
Why it matters
Studying these worlds helps us understand if life could exist elsewhere in the universe. It also teaches us how solar systems form and change over time.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse them with moons, which orbit planets rather than orbiting stars directly.