Kepler discovered smallest exoplanet yet around a Sun-like star
Posted: Thu, Feb 21, 2013, 7:32 AM ET (1232 GMT)
Astronomers announced Wednesday they have discovered the smallest known extrasolar planet to orbit a Sun-like star, a world only slightly larger than the Moon. The exoplanet, designated Kepler-37b, is one-third the size of the Earth, orbiting a star 210 light0years away. The planet is the smallest of three found around the star: Kepler-37c is slightly smaller than Venus and Kepler-37d is twice the size of the Earth. All three are in orbits closer to their star than Mercury is to the Sun. Astronomers found the planets in data collected by NASA's Kepler mission, which looks for minute, periodic drops in brightness of stars caused by transiting planets.
Astronomers announced Wednesday they have discovered the smallest known extrasolar planet to orbit a Sun-like star, a world only slightly larger than the Moon. The exoplanet, designated Kepler-37b, is one-third the size of the Earth, orbiting a star 210 light0years away. The planet is the smallest of three found around the star: Kepler-37c is slightly smaller than Venus and Kepler-37d is twice the size of the Earth. All three are in orbits closer to their star than Mercury is to the Sun. Astronomers found the planets in data collected by NASA's Kepler mission, which looks for minute, periodic drops in brightness of stars caused by transiting planets.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
California commission votes against increase in SpaceX Vandenberg launches
Posted: Sun, Aug 17 11:32 AM ET (1532 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, August 27
Spacecom Commander Emphasizes Need for Expanded Partnerships, Investment
US Dept. of Defense — 6:57 am ET (1057 GMT) Blue Origin stands down from New Shepard launch due to rocket issue
Spectrum News — 6:55 am ET (1055 GMT) Tech firm signs biggest contract with SpaceX
BBC — 6:55 am ET (1055 GMT) 'Terrified it’ll destroy my house’: SpaceX plans concern Space Coast residents
WESH-TV Orlando — 6:53 am ET (1053 GMT) SpaceX finds success with 10th Starship test
Houston Chronicle — 6:53 am ET (1053 GMT) |
