A thick atmosphere has been detected around a planet that's twice as big as Earth in a nearby solar system
A thick atmosphere has been detected around a planet that’s twice as big as Earth in a nearby solar system, researchers reported Wednesday. The so-called super Earth — known as 55 Cancri e — is among the few rocky planets outside our solar system with a significant atmosphere, wrapped a blanket of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The exact amounts are unclear. Earth’s atmosphere is a blend of nitrogen, oxygen, argon and other gases.
The exoplanet 41 light years away is eight times heavier than Earth and circles its star Copernicus so closely that it has permanent day and night sides. A light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles . Its surface is encrusted with magma oceans. To identify the makeup of its atmosphere, researchers studied Webb Space Telescope observations before and after the planet passed behind its star.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why on Earth do we celebrate Earth Day?Earth day is coming up on Monday but do you know what Earth Day actually is. Or why we celebrate?
Read more »
Celebrating Earth Day: The first satellite images of the earth were taken 64 years agoTIROS 1 was the first weather satellite, launched in 1960
Read more »
Satellites in Low Earth Orbit Affected by Bad Space WeatherSatellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) can deviate from their expected trajectories when bad space weather occurs, causing problems for the International Space Station, China's Tiangong space station, and Earth-observing satellites. The accuracy of these satellites is affected by space weather, with the lower altitudes experiencing a bigger problem due to the variations in Earth's upper atmosphere density. Higher density leads to more drag, slowing down the satellites and causing them to sink towards Earth.
Read more »
Taste of Western Market: Earth Day EditionJoin us for an unforgettable culinary adventure at Taste of Western Market: Earth Edition! We're thrilled to do our part in reducing landfill waste by now offering a compost option for all dine-in guests, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious bites from stalls around Western Market? Grab your ticket today, the...
Read more »
Harvard professor claims aliens could visit Earth through interdimensional travelA Harvard astrophysicist claims that aliens could visit Earth via interdimensional travel.
Read more »
Union Square springs to life with blooms and Earth Day celebrationsAs the calendar flips to April, Union Square awakens to the vibrant sights and sounds of spring. The iconic magnolias are blooming, adding splashes of color
Read more »