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Kiwi astronomers help find icy 'Super Earth' - Life in space discovery a step closer
March 15, 2006By designing a variant of an astronomical technique proposed by Einstein, researchers from The University of Auckland and Massey University, together with astronomers from Auckland's Stardome Observatory, have found evidence for a new icy "Super Earth".
While over 100 gaseous Jupiter-sized planets have been discovered in the last decade, and four medium Neptune-sized planets, until now there have been no discoveries of Earth-sized terrestrial planets that could support life.
Dr Philip Yock from The University of Auckland's Faculty of Science says the latest find brings the goal of locating an Earth-like planet in the Milky Way a step closer.
The astronomers used the gravitational fields of stars as huge, naturally occurring lenses, as originally proposed by Einstein. This technique is called "gravitational microlensing".
"The new planet is Neptune-sized and icy, but unlikely to be covered with a layer of gas like Neptune. Instead it may be more akin to a large, chilly version of our own Earth. The researchers were able to deduce this because they showed that the new planet has no Jupiter-like companion.
"Ten years ago, such a finding would have been unthinkable. At the time only a handful of Jupiter-like planets had been found, and medium Neptune-sized planets weren't even on the horizon. Competition between the various groups involved in the hunt for an Earth-twin spurs development onwards.\\\
University of Auckland
The astronomers used the gravitational fields of stars as huge, naturally occurring lenses, as originally proposed by Einstein. This technique is called "gravitational microlensing".
"The new planet is Neptune-sized and icy, but unlikely to be covered with a layer of gas like Neptune. Instead it may be more akin to a large, chilly version of our own Earth. The researchers were able to deduce this because they showed that the new planet has no Jupiter-like companion.
"Ten years ago, such a finding would have been unthinkable. At the time only a handful of Jupiter-like planets had been found, and medium Neptune-sized planets weren't even on the horizon. Competition between the various groups involved in the hunt for an Earth-twin spurs development onwards.\\\
University of Auckland
New Planet Current Events and New Planet News RSSGalileo's notebooks may reveal secrets of new planet
Galileo knew he had discovered a new planet in 1613, 234 years before its official discovery date, according to a new theory by a University of Melbourne physicist.
Predicted Planet Seen-First Since Neptune 162 Years Ago
In 2006, astronomer Alice Quillen of the University of Rochester predicted that a planet of a particular size and orbit must lie within the dust of a nearby star. That planet has now been photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope, making it only the second planet ever imaged after an accurate prediction.
Scientists Discover New Planet Orbiting Dangerously Close to Giant Star
A team of astronomers from Penn State and Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland has discovered a new planet that is closely orbiting a red-giant star, HD 102272, which is much older than our own Sun.
Psychologists show new ways to deal with health challenges in space
As NASA prepares to send humans back to the moon and then on to Mars, psychologists are exploring the challenges astronauts will face on missions that will be much longer and more demanding than previous space flights.
New rocky planet found in constellation Leo
Spanish and UCL (University College London) scientists have discovered a possible terrestrial-type planet orbiting a star in the constellation of Leo. The new planet, which lies at a distance of 30 light years from the Earth, has a mass five times that of our planet but is the smallest found to date. One full day on the new planet would be equivalent to three weeks on Earth.
Astronomers discover record 5th planet around nearby star 55 Cancri
A team of American astronomers announced today (Tuesday, Nov. 6) the discovery of a record-breaking fifth planet around the nearby star 55 Cancri, making it the only star aside from the sun known to have five planets.
Reading the planetary tea leaves
An international team of astronomers is one step closer to answering the question, "Will the world end with a bang or a whimper?"
Largest transiting extrasolar planet found around a distant star
An international team of astronomers with the Trans-atlantic Exoplanet Survey announce today the discovery of TrES-4, a new extrasolar planet in the constellation of Hercules.
Planet Orbiting a Giant Red Star Discovered with Hobby-Eberly Telescope
A planet orbiting a giant red star has been discovered by an astronomy team led by Penn State's Alex Wolszczan, who in 1992 discovered the first planets ever found outside our solar system.
Massive Transiting Planet with 31-hour Year Found Around Distant Star
An international team of astronomers with the Trans-atlantic Exoplanet Survey today announce the discovery of their third planet, TrES-3.
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11 Planets: A New View of the Solar System by David A. Aguilar (Author) National Geographic proudly presents the essential reference book for what is now officially a NEW AGE in space. In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined the word "planet" and relegated Pluto to the status of a dwarf planet, along with Ceres and Eris. Naturally, National Geographic is there to map out this new view of our solar system. In 11 Planets, David Aguilar, an expert who works on the leading edge of this astounding shift, explains and explores our new galactic knowledge. Using spectacular computer artwork, exclusive to National Geographic, and simple engaging text, this colorful book profiles all 11 planets in our newly categorized solar system: terrestrial Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars; gas giants Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; and... |
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Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) by Digable Planets Digable Planets deliberately disavowed the toughness of hip-hop culture: the trio's leader called himself Butterfly, his foil Ladybug purred like Eartha Kitt, and they produced hooks out of lines like "We're just babies, man." Despite occasional flashes of sorrow (like the pro-choice recitation "La Femme Fétal"), the group's happy and laidback on this debut, with tracks made out of old jazz records and finger-snaps, and words that draw on 50s hipster slang. Reachin' spawned the Grammy-winning single "Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat)," and after this album, their joyous Blue Note-and-black-lights bounce lost some of its novelty. --Douglas Wolk |
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New Wave Enviro Products - Replacement Shower Filter Cartridge, 1 filter by New Wave Enviro Products All soaps, shampoos + other bodycare products have improved performance and enhanced benefits when used with the Premium Shower Filter Replacement Cartridge for Premium Shower Filter by New Wave EnviroEffective: 18 ounces of KDF-55 filters out Chlorine, Odors, and Dirt ParticlesThe compact filter lasts for about a year of regular use.This Replacement Cartridge ALSO fits the following Models:AmwayCleanwaterShower MateShowerwiseSprite |
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