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NASA discovers smallest planet outside solar system
by Neha Gupta - January 11, 2011 - comments
The planet is 8.8 times denser than water which suggests that similar to Earth, it is made up mainly of rocks and metals.
Astronomers at Moffett Field's NASA Ames Research Center have discovered the smallest planet outside our solar system, which measures approximately 1.4 times the size of Earth.
The researchers, led by San Jose State University scientist Natalie Batalha of NASA's Kepler satellite team, claims that this planet is a definite proof of the presence of a rocky planet outside our system, indicating a link between hot, gaseous giants and Earth-like planets.
Named Kepler-10b, the planet is the result of almost 8 months (May 2009 to early January 2010) of continuous data collected by the spacecraft.
“All of Kepler’s best capabilities have converged to yield the first solid evidence of a rocky planet orbiting a star other than our Sun,” said Batalha.
“The Kepler team made a commitment in 2010 about finding the telltale signatures of small planets in the data, and it’s beginning to pay off.”
About the new planet
The planet is 8.8 times denser than water which suggests that similar to Earth, it is made up mainly of rocks and metals.
However, the direction of the planet towards the sun makes it heat up to 1400 °C, deeming it incapable of supporting life.
"Far in excess of the temperature of typical lava flows on Earth", says Batalha. "Along that day side, we expect to find oceans of molten material."
Though there are negligible chances of the planet being able to support life due to its proximity to its star, its discovery has left scientists and astronomers all over the world amazed.
Kepler-10b has been seen revolving around its star, similar to our sun, in the constellation Cygnus, about 560 light-years away.
"It's unquestionably a rocky world orbiting a star outside our solar system," said Batalha. "It's something you can stand on."
Astronomers excited
Though there are negligible chances of the planet being able to support life due to its proximity to its star, its discovery has left scientists and astronomers all over the world amazed.
“The discovery of Kepler 10-b is a significant milestone in the search for planets similar to our own,” said Douglas Hudgins, Kepler program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “Although this planet is not in the habitable zone, the exciting find showcases the kinds of discoveries made possible by the mission and the promise of many more to come."