August 5, 2017

Exoplanet GJ 1214b

Exoplanet GJ 1214b

This artist’s impression shows the super-Earth exoplanet GJ 1214b passing in front of 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.

Image Credit: ESO/L. Calçada
Explanation from: https://www.eso.org/public/images/eso1047b/

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