13 Mind-Bending Space Discoveries That Defy Explanation
3. Luminous Exoplanet
Found Year: 2013 Discoverer: MIT Researchers
Location: Orbiting Kepler-78
Description:
In 2013, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology discovered an Earth-sized planet orbiting a star similar to our Sun in a distant star system. While this finding is exciting for those seeking potentially habitable planets, the planet they identified is far from being capable of supporting life as we know it.
Conclusion The discovery of an Earth-sized planet in the Kepler-78 system highlights the ongoing search for habitable worlds beyond our own. Although this particular planet may not be suitable for life, it encourages further exploration and research into the conditions that could support life elsewhere in the universe!
Description:
While Mercury is known for its heat as the closest planet to the Sun, Kepler-78b is a staggering 40 times closer to its star, making it approximately 40 times hotter than Mercury. This extreme proximity raises intriguing scientific questions about how Kepler-78b can even survive in such intense heat.
Conclusion The conditions on Kepler-78b challenge our understanding of planetary formation and survival in extreme environments. Studying this exoplanet not only deepens our knowledge of planetary atmospheres but also invites further exploration into the limits of life and planetary resilience in hostile conditions!
