7.2: Some Interesting Exoplanets

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TrES-4 was discovered when looking for transiting planets. It is about 70 percent bigger than Jupiter but less massive. TrES-4 has the density of approximately 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter, or that of balsa wood.The Gliese 581 System is a red dwarf star with a mass about 1/3 that of the Sun. It is located 20.4 light years from Earth and is among the 100 closest stars to Earth. Gliese 581 has at least four planets:

HD80606b is a strange planet about four times the mass of Jupiter. It comes so close to its star, at its perihelion point HD80606b would have a surface temperature of 1,200oC.
Then there is the strange planet, Wasp-12b . It takes this planet 1.1 earth days to go around its star one time; in other words, you would celebrate your birthday every 26.4 hours. Wasp-12b’s surface temperature is estimated to be 1,500oC, and it is slowly being eaten by its star.

Stellar System Stars and Life

Many biologists and astronomers believe that you have to have the right type of star, as well as the right type of planet, and the right distance from its star for intelligent life.

Provided by: Florida State College at Jacksonville. License: CC BY: Attribution