While thousands of planets have been discovered around other stars, relatively little is known about them. A NASA catalog featuring 126 exotic, newly discovered worlds includes detailed measurements that allow for comparisons with our own solar system.
The catalog details a fascinating mix of planet types beyond our solar system , from rare worlds with extreme environments to ones that could possibly support life.
Though the planets themselves aren't visible, they do have a visible effect. As they orbit, the planets tug on their host stars, causing them to"wobble." When the star moves toward a telescope, its visible light turns slightly bluer; when it moves away from us, the light shifts slightly redder. A related survey paper authored by UCR graduate student Michelle Hill announces the discovery of two new planets orbiting a star like our sun. The first is a"sub-Saturn" planet with a mass and radius that are between those of Neptune and Saturn.
"Planets smaller than Neptune but larger than Earth are the most prevalent worlds in our galaxy, yet they are absent from our own Solar System. Each time a new one is discovered, we are reminded of how diverse our Universe is, and that our existence in the cosmos may be more unique than we can understand," Pidhorodetska said.
Stars Astronomy Pluto Kuiper Belt Solar System Solar Flare Sun
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