Space.com Mike Wall (January 10, 2011)
"Astronomers announced the discovery today (Jan. 10) of the first "unquestionably rocky" alien world — a planet called Kepler-10b.
"Scientists have announced other rocky exoplanets in the past, but Kepler-10b earns its title, researchers said, because they're sure of its composition. And that's because they know its host star so well. In fact, the Kepler-10 star is one of the most well-characterized planet-hosting stars in the universe...."
The article does just what the title says: explains how scientists figured out what Kepler-10b is made of. The process involves asteroseismology, transits, and you'll have to read the Space.com article to find out more.
Normally, the Lemming has much more to say: but it's late, and the Lemming has a big day tomorrow.
Good night.
Related post:
- "COROT-7b: A Planet with Weather Worse than Minnesota's"
(October 1, 2009)
- "NASA Discovers Smallest Alien Planet Yet"
Mike Wall, Space.com (January 10, 2011)
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