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Astronomers discover three planets in 'habitable zone'

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10 years 9 months ago #98000 by Seanie_Morris
Astronomers have discovered a new cluster of stars relatively close to earth which contain three 'Super-Earth' sized planets which could, in theory, be suitable for sustaining life.

Even RTE is in on it, so it IS big news:
www.rte.ie/news/2013/0625/458746-stars-planets-astronomers/

Seanie.

Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.
The following user(s) said Thank You: mykc

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10 years 9 months ago #98001 by mykc
It's fascinating that a star so close (22 light years) appears to have several planets that may have conditions suitable for life. It's only conjecture that the planets could harbour life, but exciting nonetheless, and the discovery adds to the evidence that potentially habitable planets are quite common.

Gliese 667 is a triple system and the AB, C pair should be easily split with a modest telescope (m6 & 10.6, separation 33"). However, it's declination is -35 so it is almost impossible to observe from Ireland. The AB combination might be visible under favourable conditions, but atmospheric extinction is likely to make the C component unobservable.

Mike

Skywatcher 120 mm ED on a CG5 mount.
Orion UK 300mm Dobsonian

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  • Seanie_Morris
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10 years 9 months ago - 10 years 9 months ago #98007 by Seanie_Morris

mykc wrote: Gliese 667 is a triple system and the AB, C pair should be easily split with a modest telescope (m6 & 10.6, separation 33"). However, it's declination is -35 so it is almost impossible to observe from Ireland.


As opposed to Australia...

Hehehe :P

Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.
Last edit: 10 years 9 months ago by Seanie_Morris.

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10 years 9 months ago #98012 by johnomahony
Whohooo! :rock:

The Lord giveth, the Revenue taketh away. (John 1:16)

www.flickr.com/photos/7703127@N07/

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