GJ 1214b

The zoom sequence starts with a view of the spectacular central region of the Milky Way. As we close in we see a faint and unremarkable star — GJ 1214. This star is orbited by a super-Earth exoplanet with a mass of about six times that of the Earth. It is the first super-Earth to have had its atmosphere analysed. In the animation we see the super-Earth exoplanet GJ 1214b orbiting its faint red parent star. This is the first super-Earth exoplanet to have had its atmosphere analysed. The exoplanet, orbiting a small star only 40 light-years away from us, has a mass about six times that of the Earth. GJ 1214b appears to be surrounded by an atmosphere that is either dominated by steam or blanketed by thick clouds or hazes.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• telescopes
• interferometer
• astronomy
• ESO

[nonayabezwax]

Hm, An oasis in a desert. Probably a great place for advanced aliens with ability for space travel to visit. Fresh water on a long trip would be highly prized. We should watch this closely from afar before sending in a probe or satellite. Constellation Ophiuchus is about 40 light years from ours, so I don't think we'll be getting there in my lifetime anyway.

[vstman]

Yes people I heard about this marvelous planet on AlJazeera's English channel this morning. It has a year that is 38 hours long, it is around 200 centigrade hot at the surface. It is 2.7 times larger than Earth, and 6.5 masses heavier. The majority of the planet is covered in boiling water.

[visitor44534]

@voldagar ooooh... then that is shit... it must be rly hot then :/  XD

[voldagar]

@voldagar is

[voldagar]

@visitor44534 actually i ment the planet in 500 degrees

[visitor44534]

@voldagar rly? thats not shit. it must be rly cold then :/

[voldagar]

the problem is the star is 500 degrees

[InfinityProjectPromo]

@indalecio21 i thought the same..

[indalecio21]

Our new homeworld???