Extrasolar Planets
Observing an Evaporating Extrasolar Planet
Observations of planets orbiting other stars are becoming increasingly common as astronomical techniques become more and more sophisticated. But some…
Super-Earths: How Much Are They Like Earth?
With yesterday's announcement about finding a batch of so-called “super-Earths†- rocky alien worlds a few times more massive than…
Three “Super-Earths” Found Orbiting One Star
"Does every single star harbor planets and, if yes, how many?" wonders planet hunter Michel Mayor. "We may not yet…
Re-use, Recycle and Share Your Spacecraft to Find Exoplanets
How do you get the most out of one spacecraft and find exoplanets in the process? Re-use, recycle and share.…
Planet Discovered with Only 3 Times the Mass of the Earth
Most of the planets found to date have been massive and orbiting their parent stars at a fraction the orbit…
Exoplanet Count Rises With New Discoveries
With several space- and ground-based telescopes, as well as dedicated space missions searching for exoplanets, or planets orbiting other stars,…
How to Detect Watery Worlds Around Other Stars
If you want to know what a watery world might look like orbiting another star, just observe our own planet...…
Another (Better) Opportunity to Send Your Name to Space
It's a great idea, so all the missions might as well join in. Earlier today, Ian reported on how the…
How Big Do Planets Get?
Question: How Big Can Planets Get? Answer: Here in the Solar System, we have three kinds of planets: the inner…
Why Haven’t Planets Been Detected Around Alpha Centauri?
Question: Why aren't astronomers looking for planets around nearby stars like Alpha Centauri? Answer: That's a great question. Since Alpha…