Unlocking the Mystery of Sub-Neptunes: Synchronous Orbiting Exoplanets Revealed

2023-11-30 07:06:41
(Archyde.com, Washington, 29th) These exoplanets are the most common type of planets observed in our galaxy. They are 2 to 3 times the diameter of Earth but smaller than Neptune. Their orbits are farther from their stars than those in the innermost solar system. Planet Mercury is closer to the sun. They are called “sub-Neptunes” and their basic properties remain a mystery. But research published today found that six of them are orbiting synchronously around a star about 20% less massive than the sun, giving astronomers hope they may soon have answers. The researchers determined that the six planets are in a rare state called “orbital resonance.” Their synchronous orbits around the star have apparently not changed since their formation about 4 billion years ago, indicating that there is no such thing as a giant planet. Chaotic events like impacts disrupt their orbits. Scientists wonder whether sub-Neptunes could be rocky planets with thick atmospheres of hydrogen and helium – planets made of rock and ice with warm, water-rich atmospheres – or something else. The star of these six exoplanets is called HD110067 and can be seen from the constellation Coma in Earth’s night sky.Central News Agency (Translation) Astronomers discover 6 exoplanets orbiting a star in harmonious resonance
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