A student analyzes data of the motion of a planet as it orbits a star that is in deep space. The orbit of the planet is considered to be stable and does not change over time. The student claims, "The only experimentally measurable external force exerted on the planet is the force due to gravity from the star." Is the student's claim supported by the evidence? What reasoning either supports or contradicts the student's claim?

Matter warp the space.

The first law of Kepler states that planets orbits sun, in an elliptical curve but in a plane, it is a very simple motion in fact. And according to Newton Gravitional force look like an snapshot force acting on bodies due to the presence of a very big mass body (like earth).

Special and General Relativity theory (Einstein) states speed of light as the maximum possible speed, and the way to look gravitional force is different. According to field theory, matter warp space, so objects have to keep moving along that deformation. It is noy possible snapshot forces, and there is only one way to go.

We rather have to say planets go through paths determine by gravity

Yes, the student's claim is supported by the evidence.

There are different other forces acting on the planet but with insignificant values.

Explanation:

The student claimed that the gravitational force is the only measurable external force acting directly on the planet from the star and it has been proven experimentally. However, there are different other external forces acting on the planet and these forces have insignificant values and have not been supported by any experimental data.