Have Scientists Discovered the Smallest Exoplanet Yet?

  • Thread starter marlon
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In summary, a new exoplanet, approximately one-fifth the size of Pluto, has been discovered and was just posted on PhysicsWeb. The discovery was made by detecting small wobbles around a pulsar, which allows for accurate doppler shift analysis. This discovery gives hope for the possibility of finding similar planets around ordinary stars.
  • #1
marlon
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Read about the discovery of the smallest (1/5th of the Pluto-size) exoplanet. This was just posted on PhysicsWeb, so it is very fresh. I also included some explanatory links, the first goes to the webpage of one of the discoverers...

https://www.physicsforums.com/journal.php?s=&journalid=13790&action=view#NEW%20PLANET%20DISCOVERED%20!


enjoy

marlon
 
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  • #2
marlon said:
Read about the discovery of the smallest (1/5th of the Pluto-size) exoplanet. This was just posted on PhysicsWeb, ...

that's interesting
four modest-size planets going around a pulsar
thanks for posting the link, marlon.

I guess that it is easier to detect small wobbles by a pulsar
because one can do dopplershift analysis very accurately
using the clockpulse of the pulsar

it makes one hopeful that there may be plenty of modest-size planets circling ordinary (not pulsar) stars as well
 
  • #3
Twenty percent the size of Pluto... wow! That's quite amazing.
 

FAQ: Have Scientists Discovered the Smallest Exoplanet Yet?

1. What is the name of the newly discovered exo-planet?

The name of the exo-planet has not been officially assigned yet, but it is currently being referred to as "New Exo-planet" or "Exo-planet X".

2. What are the characteristics of the new exo-planet?

The characteristics of the new exo-planet are still being studied and analyzed by scientists. However, initial observations suggest that it is a gas giant, similar in size to Jupiter, and orbits its star at a distance that is within the habitable zone.

3. How far away is the new exo-planet from Earth?

The exact distance of the new exo-planet from Earth is currently unknown. However, based on the location of its host star, which is estimated to be around 100 light years away, it can be assumed that the exo-planet is also approximately 100 light years away from Earth.

4. Could the new exo-planet potentially support life?

It is too early to determine if the new exo-planet could support life. More research and observations are needed to understand its atmosphere, surface conditions, and other factors that could potentially make it habitable for life forms.

5. How was the new exo-planet discovered?

The new exo-planet was discovered using the radial velocity method, which involves measuring the slight wobble of a star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet. This method is commonly used to detect large exoplanets that are close to their host stars.

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