Spanish scientists discover earth-like planet which can support life
Spanish astronomers have discovered a new planet outside the solar system and predicted that the terrestrial-type planet may sustain life.
The astronomers from the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) working with a visiting scientist from Britain found that the new planet is five times the size of earth and is orbiting its star in the constellation of Leo.
The exciting new discovery, dubbed GJ 436c, lies at a distance of 30 light years from the Earth and is the smallest found to date, according to the astronomers at CSIC.
The scientists used simulations to show that the planet orbits its host star (GJ 436) in only 5.2 Earth days, and is thought to complete a revolution in 4.2 Earth days, compared to the Earth's revolution of 24 hours and full orbit of 365 days.
Most of the 280 or so planets discovered to date are gas giants similar to Jupiter, although some with masses below 10 times that of the Earth have already been found. Planets with masses of between one and 10 times the Earth are often dubbed super-Earths. WAM
The astronomers from the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) working with a visiting scientist from Britain found that the new planet is five times the size of earth and is orbiting its star in the constellation of Leo.
The exciting new discovery, dubbed GJ 436c, lies at a distance of 30 light years from the Earth and is the smallest found to date, according to the astronomers at CSIC.
The scientists used simulations to show that the planet orbits its host star (GJ 436) in only 5.2 Earth days, and is thought to complete a revolution in 4.2 Earth days, compared to the Earth's revolution of 24 hours and full orbit of 365 days.
Most of the 280 or so planets discovered to date are gas giants similar to Jupiter, although some with masses below 10 times that of the Earth have already been found. Planets with masses of between one and 10 times the Earth are often dubbed super-Earths. WAM
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