Rocky exoplanet milestone in hunt for Earth-like worlds, page 1
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Topic started on 11-1-2011 @ 02:59 AM by ALadInsane
Scientists are saying a rocky exoplanet outside our solar system may be the missing link in finding earth-like planets in the universe.

Rocky Exoplanet is 'Missing Link'


Astronomers have discovered the smallest planet outside our solar system, and the first that is undoubtedly rocky like Earth. Measurements of unprecedented precision have shown that the planet, Kepler 10b, has a diameter 1.4 times that of Earth, and a mass 4.6 times higher. However, because it orbits its host star so closely, the planet could not harbour life. The discovery has been hailed as "among the most profound in human history".


I think as long as our technology advances we'll find more and more of these cropping up, perhaps finding some that could actually support life. Then it's a case of getting there....


reply posted on 11-1-2011 @ 03:19 AM by backinblack
reply to post by ALadInsane



Yep, I told the wife and kids to pack their bags..
We're off to our new home..

I did say to pack plenty of sunscreen though..

Planets temp is over 1000C...It's orbit is under a day and it's 23 times closer to it's sun than Mercury..
Whatta find !!

Not sure what the milestone is.



reply posted on 11-1-2011 @ 03:26 AM by ALadInsane
reply to post by backinblack



I think the story is built around the fact that it is the first rocky planet discovered outside of our Solar System, hence the milestone tag.


reply posted on 11-1-2011 @ 03:29 AM by yeti101
reply to post by backinblack



LOL i know i cringe when i see things like "most profound in human history". Keplers still not delivered what it set out to do, we've lost 1 of the CCDs on the craft & had quite a few safe mode events interupting data collection. Talk about spin.

I think im suffering kepler fatigue. Its frustrating not knowing why they havnt acheived less than 1.4 earth radius yet i wish they would just tell us.


reply posted on 11-1-2011 @ 04:03 AM by backinblack
Originally posted by ALadInsane
reply to
post by backinblack



I think the story is built around the fact that it is the first rocky planet discovered outside of our Solar System, hence the milestone tag.


No, it's the first planet close to Earth's size as far as i read it..
Though I didn't think size mattered..


reply posted on 13-1-2011 @ 08:37 AM by 12m8keall2c
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