Question: An astronomer observes that a newly discovered exoplanet completes one orbit around its star every 12.5 Earth days, while another exoplanet takes 25.0 days. What is the least common multiple of their orbital periods to determine when both will align again?

Sun, 03 May 2026 03:08:53 +0000

**Is an astronomer discovering a cosmic dance—two exoplanets aligned again—really just a math puzzle? Begin the Cosmic Synchronization** In a year marked by breakthrough discoveries across space science, a quiet but compelling question has surfaced: when will two newly observed exoplanets realign in their dance around their parent star? One completes an orbit every 12.5 Earth days; the other takes 25.0 days. At first glance, these numbers seem unrelated—but together, they form a rhythm waiting to be understood. We’re in a moment where astronomy meets public curiosity, fueled by rapid advances in exoplanet detection and growing interest in planetary systems beyond our own. This isn’t just about math—it’s about connecting cosmic cycles to real-world science. **Why This Question Is Gaining Ground in the US** Recent months have seen a surge in public fascination with space, driven by high-profile telescope missions and social media sharing of planetary discoveries. The alignment of exoplanets taps into timeless human curiosity about order in the universe, now amplified by real data. Science news platforms report increased engagement with space-related content, especially when tied to accessible math and real-world phenomena. This question stands out because it combines a relatable orbital logic with tangible science—how long until two moving bodies synchronize again? It reflects a broader trend: people want to understand the patterns hidden in the cosmos, not just admire them.