Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

Lancer232 · Dec 18, 2009 12:48 AM

Looks like Earth isn't the only water world in the universe, scientists have just discovered a planet VERY similar to Earth.

Currently, 2 names are suggested by the people to name the planet, those names are:

Reach
Siberia (spam suggested, expect many deletions of this one)

More info here.

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/12/super-earth/

ixr · Dec 18, 2009 12:54 AM

isn't reach the name of the next halo game????

Lancer232 · Dec 18, 2009 1:00 AM

Yes, apparently the Halo fans are taking the opportunity

ixr · Dec 18, 2009 1:02 AM

haha i hate halo so much

midget_roxx · Dec 18, 2009 1:57 AM

Earth like doesn't mean life though sad . They predicted the temp to be around 187 Celsius which is pretty *bleep* hot. Still interesting though

Neotyguy40 · Dec 18, 2009 2:17 AM

It's a Super-Earth, not 'Earth-like'.

Super-Earth = A planet that has about 2-10x the mass of our planet. We are considered lucky that we were able to form on Earth, since we have an incredibly low mass. A mass of 2-10 times of Earth would be more suitable for life conditions, since the heat in the planet will be higher, resulting in convection and then plate tectonics. This would allow volcanoes and earthquakes to form, pulling up carbon, oxygen, and other needed chemicals for life. The planet in that article is almost 0.3 AU away from it's star, which means the planet would be extremely hot. It's also completely covered in water, so life is even more unlikely. Of course, this is if silicon-based life doesn't exist.

Naegling · Dec 18, 2009 2:53 AM

I think that Reach would be a great name for it. In the halo franchise, Reach is almost like a second earth. It falls to the covenant and they pretty much destroy it but it still is a second earth. If we are ever able to put any sort of colonies on it then it would be a good name for the planet.

midget_roxx · Dec 18, 2009 5:50 AM

Neotyguy40 wrote:

It's a Super-Earth, not 'Earth-like'.
Super-Earth = A planet that has about 2-10x the mass of our planet. We are considered lucky that we were able to form on Earth, since we have an incredibly low mass. A mass of 2-10 times of Earth would be more suitable for life conditions, since the heat in the planet will be higher, resulting in convection and then plate tectonics. This would allow volcanoes and earthquakes to form, pulling up carbon, oxygen, and other needed chemicals for life. The planet in that article is almost 0.3 AU away from it's star, which means the planet would be extremely hot. It's also completely covered in water, so life is even more unlikely. Of course, this is if silicon-based life doesn't exist.

Yes thanks for that Mr Scientist. If anything there is a more likely chance for finding life if there's water.

~cornys~ · Dec 21, 2009 12:55 AM

that's pretty cool actually... lol... no life there likely... but still.. .very cool smile Thanks Lancer smile

Cesna · Dec 27, 2009 6:36 PM

the big question is how far away it is, and if we can get to it.

#1 Dec 18, 2009 12:48 AM

Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

#2 Dec 18, 2009 12:54 AM

Re: Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

#3 Dec 18, 2009 1:00 AM

Re: Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

#4 Dec 18, 2009 1:02 AM

Re: Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

#5 Dec 18, 2009 1:57 AM

Re: Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

#6 Dec 18, 2009 2:17 AM

Re: Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

#7 Dec 18, 2009 2:53 AM

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#8 Dec 18, 2009 5:50 AM

Re: Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

#9 Dec 21, 2009 12:55 AM

Re: Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

#10 Dec 27, 2009 6:36 PM

Re: Planet Dubbed "Super Earth" Discovered

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