"Water Worlds of Endless Oceans" --NASA's Kepler Mission Reveals Planets Unlike Anything in Our Solar System (Today's Most Popular)
USE LINK FOR PICTURES -
http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2016/07/water-worlds-of-endless-oceans-nasas-kepler-mission-reveals-planets-unlike-anything-in-our-solar-sys.html
July 12, 2016
Astronomers discovered a "Water World" planetary system this past April orbiting the star Kepler-62. This five-planet system has two worlds in the habitable zone — the distance from their star at which they receive enough light and warmth that liquid water could theoretically exist on their surfaces. Modeling by researchers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) suggests that both planets are water worlds, their surfaces completely covered by a global ocean with no land in sight.
“These planets are unlike anything in our solar system. They have endless oceans,” said lead author Lisa Kaltenegger of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy and the CfA. “There may be life there, but could it be technology-based like ours? Life on these worlds would be under water with no easy access to metals, to electricity, or fire for metallurgy. Nonetheless, these worlds will still be beautiful, blue planets circling an orange star — and maybe life’s inventiveness to get to a technology stage will surprise us.”
Kepler-62 is a type K star slightly smaller and cooler than our sun. The two water worlds, designated Kepler-62e and -62f, orbit the star every 122 and 267 days, respectively. They were found by NASA’s Kepler spacecraft, which detects planets that transit, or cross the face of, their host star. Measuring a transit tells astronomers the size of the planet relative to its star. The star system is illustrated below (CfA).
Kepler-62e is 60 percent larger than Earth, while Kepler-62f is about 40 percent larger, making both of them “super-Earths.” They are too small for their masses to be measured, but astronomers expect them to be composed of rock and water, without a significant gaseous envelope.
As the warmer of the two worlds, Kepler-62e would have a bit more clouds than Earth, according to computer models. More distant Kepler-62f would need the greenhouse effect from plenty of carbon dioxide to warm it enough to host an ocean. Otherwise, it might become an ice-covered snowball.
“Kepler-62e probably has a very cloudy sky and is warm and humid all the way to the polar regions. Kepler-62f would be cooler, but still potentially life-friendly,” said Harvard astronomer and co-author Dimitar Sasselov.
“The good news is — the two would exhibit distinctly different colors and make our search for signatures of life easier on such planets in the near future,” he added.
The discovery raises the intriguing possibility that some star in our galaxy might be circled by two Earth-like worlds — planets with oceans and continents, where technologically advanced life could develop.
“Imagine looking through a telescope to see another world with life just a few million miles from your own. Or, having the capability to travel between them on a regular basis. I can’t think of a more powerful motivation to become a space-faring society,” said Sasselov.
Kaltenegger and Sasselov’s research has been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal.
The Daily Galaxy via CfA
Image credit: With thanks to higherdensity.wordpress.com
http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2016/07/water-worlds-of-endless-oceans-nasas-kepler-mission-reveals-planets-unlike-anything-in-our-solar-sys.html
Yesterday at 7:10 pm by Rocky
» utube MM&C 5/7/24 Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - Regional Trade - A Progession of Reforms - A Global Bac
Yesterday at 7:09 pm by Rocky
» After a break of more than 9 years.. the resumption of a government trade meeting between Iraq and A
Yesterday at 10:06 am by Rocky
» A deputy in finance expects the Council of Ministers to approve the budget schedules in today’s sess
Yesterday at 10:02 am by Rocky
» A deputy resolves the controversy over the “transfer supplement” in two ministries
Yesterday at 10:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Halbousi’s “vacant” seat.. Will the coordination framework end the “Taqaddum” dream of an allianc
Yesterday at 9:59 am by Rocky
» The Federal Government issues a state order to stop the Commission’s work procedures regarding the K
Yesterday at 9:57 am by Rocky
» Including the freedom to choose the bank and withdraw the salary for “free”... “My Account” features
Yesterday at 9:55 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $250 million during its daily auction
Yesterday at 9:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Yesterday at 9:44 am by Rocky
» Iraq and the United States of America hold trade meetings in Washington
Yesterday at 9:43 am by Rocky
» In pictures... The activities of the Union of Arab Banks conference in Baghdad, “Day Two”
Yesterday at 9:42 am by Rocky
» The Director General of Ports announces the completion of berths (3) and (4) in Al-Faw Grand Port
Yesterday at 9:40 am by Rocky
» The Council of Ministers holds its regular session headed by Al-Sudani
Yesterday at 9:38 am by Rocky
» Parliament publishes the agenda of its session for next Thursday
Yesterday at 9:37 am by Rocky
» A government measure to reduce "money laundering" using the buying and selling of real estate in Ira
Yesterday at 9:35 am by Rocky
» Iraq proposes establishing a specialized council to combat corruption in Arab countries
Yesterday at 9:32 am by Rocky
» Al-Mawarid intends to establish infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Yesterday at 9:30 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court issues a decision regarding postponing the election of the Speaker of the House of
Yesterday at 9:28 am by Rocky
» A government meeting to discuss financing and implementation mechanisms for the Development Road Pro
Yesterday at 7:12 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraqi banks are on the right track with financial transfers
Yesterday at 7:11 am by Rocky
» Al-Khazali: The Turkish side is still imposing its conditions on Iraq
Yesterday at 7:08 am by Rocky
» Rights: We refuse to amend the bylaws of Parliament under political influence and desires
Yesterday at 7:07 am by Rocky
» Nechirvan Barzani: We want to address all problems with Iran and begin a new phase of relations
Yesterday at 7:05 am by Rocky
» Today, Iraq and Iran signed the minutes of a joint meeting related to trade
Yesterday at 7:03 am by Rocky
» KPMG International begins auditing the revenues of telephone companies operating in Iraq
Yesterday at 7:02 am by Rocky
» Oil: The seventh batch of equipment for the gas manufacturing project in the Nasiriyah and Gharraf f
Yesterday at 7:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani assures the French ambassador of Iraq’s openness to “fruitful” partnerships
Yesterday at 7:00 am by Rocky
» Government move to install gold screening devices at 4 airports
Yesterday at 6:59 am by Rocky
» Sudanese Advisor: The oil sector is witnessing a rapid renaissance
Yesterday at 6:58 am by Rocky
» Opening offices specialized in employing people with disabilities
Yesterday at 6:57 am by Rocky
» Infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Yesterday at 6:56 am by Rocky
» Adopting the electronic system in the next census
Yesterday at 6:55 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting to restructure the government apparatus
Yesterday at 6:54 am by Rocky
» Business Council: Efforts to open a branch of the Chinese Bank in Iraq
Yesterday at 6:53 am by Rocky
» Iraqi diplomacy is balanced openness
Yesterday at 6:52 am by Rocky
» The head of the Integrity Commission told Al-Sabah: We are the people’s eyes on the government and s
Yesterday at 6:51 am by Rocky
» Baghdad Provincial Council: The capital is facing a new urban and service phase
Yesterday at 6:49 am by Rocky
» Customs, security and economic aspects
Yesterday at 6:48 am by Rocky
» Central Governor: We face “increasing challenges” in complying with international laws
Yesterday at 6:48 am by Rocky
» Payment of end-of-service benefits to employees referred to retirement for the month of May
Yesterday at 6:46 am by Rocky
» Billions “evaporated”.. What is the truth about closing the “theft of the century” file in Diyala?
Yesterday at 6:45 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Labor approves the extinguishment of debts owed by transgressors from the families o
Yesterday at 6:43 am by Rocky
» How did Washington comment on Nechirvan Barzani's visit to Tehran?
Yesterday at 6:42 am by Rocky
» The honeymoon is over and the salary crisis continues. Baghdad and Erbil exchange accusations, but s
Yesterday at 6:41 am by Rocky
» Why has Iraq not submitted a file to stop burning gas over the past years?
Yesterday at 6:39 am by Rocky
» A slight increase in the exchange rate...more than 146 thousand per 100 dollars
Yesterday at 6:38 am by Rocky
» Do Iraq's debts pose a threat to the economy? Parliament answers
Yesterday at 6:37 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Yesterday at 6:36 am by Rocky
» President Masoud Barzani meets an Iraqi parliamentary delegation
Yesterday at 6:34 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary criticism of the government’s delay in sending the budget schedules despite the approa
Yesterday at 6:33 am by Rocky
» A report reveals the existence of an undeclared “Iraqi-British” agreement regarding asylum seekers
Yesterday at 6:32 am by Rocky
» Alternative energy... advanced stages of the largest solar energy station in Iraq
Yesterday at 6:31 am by Rocky
» Its delay raised concerns... it is likely that the 2024 budget schedules will be approved today
Yesterday at 6:30 am by Rocky
» The industry reveals the reasons why Russian companies stopped reconstructing 7 factories in Anbar
Yesterday at 6:29 am by Rocky
» Billions evaporated.. What is the truth about closing the theft of the century file in Diyala?
Yesterday at 6:28 am by Rocky
» Nouri Al-Maliki to the Saudi Ambassador: Iraq is open to all countries of the world
Yesterday at 6:26 am by Rocky
» An Iraqi generation that “does not fear” America and Iran.. Nadim Al-Jabri explains his expectations
Yesterday at 6:25 am by Rocky
» After 9 years.. the third session of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between Iraq and A
Yesterday at 6:22 am by Rocky
» “These are our goals.” The Turkish President talks about his visit to Iraq last month
Yesterday at 6:21 am by Rocky
» Romanowski: The Iraqi judiciary is independent and the Federal Court seeks to consolidate democracy
Yesterday at 6:19 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The presidency of Parliament will remain vacant until the end of the current session
Yesterday at 6:17 am by Rocky
» Political: The Iraqi economy is threatened by American hegemony because of the coordination administ
Yesterday at 6:16 am by Rocky
» Politician: Salem Al-Issawi will not become Speaker of Parliament
Yesterday at 6:15 am by Rocky
» Planning reveals the mechanism for examining gold in local markets
Yesterday at 6:14 am by Rocky
» Including railway connectivity and water shares... Iraq and Iran are discussing a number of common i
Yesterday at 6:12 am by Rocky
» Oil is preparing to export gas oil after achieving self-sufficiency
Yesterday at 6:11 am by Rocky
» Trade is preparing to hold a number of specialized exhibitions in Baghdad and the provinces
Yesterday at 6:09 am by Rocky
» Erdogan: Our goal is to raise the volume of trade with Iraq to more than 20 billion dollars
Yesterday at 6:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani confirms Iraq's openness to fruitful partnerships with French companies
Yesterday at 6:07 am by Rocky
» Determining the launch date for the activities of the 48th session of the Baghdad International Fair
Yesterday at 6:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Yesterday at 6:05 am by Rocky
» utube 5/3/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar Update - Expectation - Implementation - Activation - New Exchange Rat
Mon May 06, 2024 9:30 am by Rocky
» “Services” asks the Central Bank about billions of foreign banks in Iraq
Mon May 06, 2024 9:27 am by Rocky
» Central Bank: Iraqi banks still face challenges in complying with international laws and standards
Mon May 06, 2024 9:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary bloc: The Central Bank offers hard currency to “mafias” on a golden platter.. The Suda
Mon May 06, 2024 9:20 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Central Auction witnesses a rise in foreign remittances to $267 million
Mon May 06, 2024 9:19 am by Rocky
» Wednesday.. The session to elect the President of the Iraqi Parliament is heading towards “Al-Issawi
Mon May 06, 2024 9:14 am by Rocky
» The Union of Arab Banks proposes 4 “important” points for Iraqi banks to meet compliance standards
Mon May 06, 2024 9:12 am by Rocky
» In the document... the Central Bank decides to return the “Al-Mal” Bank to work... in this case
Mon May 06, 2024 9:08 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi-American agreements and cooperation were the most prominent topics of Al-Araji and Romanow
Mon May 06, 2024 9:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Hakim meets a joint delegation of resolve and sovereignty and renews the call to hold a session t
Mon May 06, 2024 9:05 am by Rocky
» Nearly one billion dinars were recovered and 3 million liters of fuel intended for smuggling in Iraq
Mon May 06, 2024 9:03 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani and the European Union ambassador discuss issues of economic partnerships, civil aviation,
Mon May 06, 2024 8:59 am by Rocky
» More than 950 million dinars... petroleum products announced their recovery
Mon May 06, 2024 8:57 am by Rocky
» Forming a committee to follow up on stopping the sale of the dollar to travelers
Mon May 06, 2024 8:54 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Justice visits Al-Muthanna Governorate to discuss mechanisms for developing judicial
Mon May 06, 2024 8:52 am by Rocky
» Agriculture: Farmers who were affected by the recent rains will be compensated
Mon May 06, 2024 8:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed issues a warning regarding applying for advances and loans
Mon May 06, 2024 8:49 am by Rocky
» Al-Rafidain announces the implementation of the comprehensive banking system in its main branch
Mon May 06, 2024 7:24 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed warns of offices and pages claiming to promote the Salaf
Mon May 06, 2024 7:22 am by Rocky
» Adviser to the Prime Minister: There are no conflicts in the route of the Baghdad Metro
Mon May 06, 2024 7:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are keen to develop the work of the TBI Bank and address the problems it faces
Mon May 06, 2024 7:18 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Mon May 06, 2024 7:17 am by Rocky
» “The shocks have changed.” The Governor of the Central Bank explains the impact of the openness of I
Mon May 06, 2024 7:16 am by Rocky
» The President of the Association of Private Banks sends an “important” invitation to the Central Ban
Mon May 06, 2024 7:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Alaq: The Iraqi banking sector has witnessed significant qualitative developments in response to
Mon May 06, 2024 7:12 am by Rocky
» On behalf of Al-Sudani, the Minister of Planning sponsors the signing ceremony of a memorandum of un
Mon May 06, 2024 7:11 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Travel Companies Association participates in the Arab Travel Market Exhibition
Mon May 06, 2024 7:10 am by Rocky