Extrasolar super-Earth discovered

[Orion1]

GJ 1214 b is an extrasolar super-Earth discovered in December 2009 orbiting the star GJ 1214, at a distance of 13 parsecs or approximately 40 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Ophiuchus. It is the second exoplanet (after COROT-7b) discovered to have an established mass and radius less than those of the gas giants in the Solar System, and is the first of a new class of planets with small size and relatively low density. The planet is also significant because of its proximity to Earth, and the fact that it transits a small parent star, which should allow its atmosphere to be studied using current technologies.

If GJ 1214 b is assumed to be an ocean planet, i.e. the interior is assumed to be composed primarily of a rocky core surrounded by water, proportions of the total mass consistent with the mass and radius are ~25% rock and ~75% water, covered by a thick gas envelope such as hydrogen and helium (~0.05%). Water planets could result from inward planetary migration and originate as protoplanets that formed from volatile ice-rich material beyond the snow-line but that never attained masses sufficient to accrete large amounts of H/He nebular gas.

Because of the varying_pressure at depth, models of a water world include "steam, liquid, superfluid, high_pressure ices, and plasma phases" of water. Some of the solid-phase water could be in the form of ice VII.

GJ 1214 b may be cooler than any other known transiting planet. Its equilibrium temperature could be between approximately 393–555 K (120–282°C or 248–540°F), depending on how much of the star's radiation is reflected back into space.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GJ_1214"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GJ_1214_b"

 

[AndyW]

Thank you for sharing this information about GJ 1214 b. I find this exoplanet fascinating and full of potential for further research.

One aspect that stands out to me is the possibility that GJ 1214 b may be an ocean planet. This means that the majority of its interior is composed of water, with a rocky core and a thin gas envelope. This composition is different from any of the planets in our own Solar System, making it a unique and exciting discovery.

The varying pressure at different depths on GJ 1214 b could result in a range of phases for the water, including steam, liquid, superfluid, high-pressure ices, and even plasma. This complexity adds to the intrigue of studying this planet and understanding its internal structure.

Additionally, GJ 1214 b's close proximity to Earth and its small parent star make it an ideal candidate for studying its atmosphere using current technologies. By analyzing the planet's atmosphere, we can learn more about its composition and potentially discover signs of life.

I look forward to following the ongoing research on GJ 1214 b and learning more about this fascinating exoplanet.