!

[james_davis_nicoll]

I seem to be having trouble cross-posting between LJ and DW [1] so here's a double-post.

A planetary system around the nearby M dwarf GJ 667C with at least one super-Earth in its habitable zone

GJ 667C is an M-class dwarf, part of a triple star system some 22 light years from Earth. Hearing rumors that a ‘super-Earth’ — and one in the habitable zone to boot — has been detected around a nearby triple star system might cause the pulse to quicken, but this is not Alpha Centauri, about which we continue to await news from the three teams studying the prospect of planets there. Nonetheless, GJ 667C is fascinating in its own right, the M-dwarf being accompanied by a pair of orange K-class stars much lower in metal content than the Sun. The super-Earth that orbits the M-dwarf raises questions about theories of planet formation.

1: DW refuses to notice I've changed the time on my entry and won't cross post before a later article.

Comments

[twoeleven.livejournal.com]

Very interesting! Close enough to study¹, and not in a system expected to have planets to boot.

'Course, since I'm something of a spoilsport about Earth-like planets™, I'll point out the authors' caveat: "Still, the ultimate water supporting capability of this candidate depends on properties that are unknown such as its albedo, atmospheric composition and interior dynamics."... which is true of all planets identified to date.

1: for astronomical values of "study".

[rfmcdpei.livejournal.com]

So, planets are ubiquitous after all.

[dewline.livejournal.com]

The evidence is accumulating in that general direction. Makes me happier.

[dewline.livejournal.com]

AKA 142 G. Scorpii. That name might be easier to remember for some of us.

That aside...this is going to be worth keeping an eye on for the next few decades.

Because it's Friday...

[http://users.livejournal.com/krin_o_o_/]

Planets showing up where they are not expected?



- krin *sorry to all the memetophobes.*