The exoplanet Pi Mensae d was discovered using an indirect approach to planetary detection, the radial velocity method. Compared to that of the direct imaging method, ______ the effect these exoplanets have on nearby stars.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Explanation
Context: The opening modifier "Compared to that of the direct imaging method" compares the radial velocity method's zone of discovery to the direct imaging method's. The noun right after the comma must be the radial velocity method's zone of discovery.
Answer: B) the radial velocity method's zone of discovery is vast, as distant exoplanets too dim to be observed are detected by
Why? Modifier rule: "Compared to that of the direct imaging method" — "that" refers to a zone of discovery, so the radial velocity method's zone of discovery must come right after the comma.
Traps:
- A) the detection of distant exoplanets...is based on → dangling modifier; "the detection" is not what is being compared to the direct imaging method's zone of discovery
- C) the radial velocity method, with its vast zone of discovery, detects exoplanets → dangling modifier; "the radial velocity method" (the whole method) is compared, not specifically its zone of discovery
- D) distant exoplanets too dim to be observed are detected → dangling modifier; "distant exoplanets" are not what is being compared to the direct imaging method's zone