Does GJ1214b have an atmosphere?
Does GJ1214b have an atmosphere?
It is also the first super-Earth around which an atmosphere has been found. The planet, GJ1214b, has a mass about six times that of Earth and its interior is likely mostly made of water ice. It appears to be rather hot and surrounded by a thick atmosphere, which makes it inhospitable for life as we know it on Earth.
Where is GJ1214b?
GJ1214b is located just 40 light-years from Earth, in the direction of the constellation Ophiuchus. Because of its proximity to our solar system and the small size of its host star, GJ1214b is the most easily observed super-Earth.
Is GJ1214b in the milky way?
GJ1214b, New Planet in Milky Way, Revels in Steam and Ice – The New York Times.
How far is GJ1214b?
40 light years
Gliese 1214 b/Distance to Earth
What is the planet GJ1214b made of?
The planet, GJ1214b, has a mass about six times that of Earth and its interior is likely mostly made of water ice. It appears to be rather hot and surrounded by a thick atmosphere, which makes it inhospitable for life as we know it on Earth.
Why is GJ1214b’s atmosphere flat?
This “flat spectrum” for GJ1214b indicated that something in the planet’s upper atmosphere blocked light, keeping scientists in the dark regarding its atmosphere. Charnay decided to computationally model what its atmosphere could be, based on the planet’s temperature and composition.
How close is GJ1214b to Earth?
“GJ1214b is quite close to Earth, just 42 light years away, and it orbits its star in just 1.6 days.” That fast orbit gave scientists the opportunity to record the exoplanet’s flat spectrum, ruling out an atmosphere of simple hydrogen, water, carbon dioxide or methane.
What if GJ1214b is made of salt?
Its atmospheric temperature exceeds the boiling point of water. As a result, if GJ1214b sported clouds, they would probably be some form of salt, said Charnay. But such clouds should form deep in the atmosphere, much lower than the altitude where they are observed.
