The true statement about exoplanets is:
They are discovered when they dim a star they pass by.
This refers to the transit method of detecting exoplanets, where a planet passing in front of a star causes a temporary decrease in the star's brightness.
The other statements are not accurate:
- Exoplanets cannot typically be detected by ordinary telescopes; specialized instruments are often required.
- Exoplanets are still considered planets; the term refers to planets outside our solar system.
- Exoplanets do not only appear once before disappearing; they can be observed multiple times as they orbit their host stars.