The super-Earth exoplanet GJ 1214b
In this animation we see the super-Earth exoplanet GJ 1214b orbiting its faint red parent star. This is the first super-Earth exoplanet to have had its atmosphere analysed. The exoplanet, orbiting a small star only 40 light-years away from us, has a mass about six times that of the Earth. GJ 1214b appears to be surrounded by an atmosphere that is either dominated by steam or blanketed by thick clouds or hazes.
Credit:ESO/L. Calçada
About the Video
Id: | eso1047a |
Release date: | 1 December 2010, 19:00 |
Related releases: | eso1047 |
Duration: | 36 s |
Frame rate: | 30 fps |
About the Object
Type: | Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Planetary System |
Category: | Exoplanets Stars |