Scientists have detected an atmosphere around an Earth-like planet for the first time.

easynow said:

They have studied a world known as GJ 1132b, which is 1.4-times the size of our planet and lies 39 light years away.

Their observations suggest that the "super-Earth" is cloaked in a thick layer of gasses that are either water or methane or a mixture of both.

Discovering an atmosphere, and characterising it, is an important step forward in the hunt for life beyond our Solar System.

But it is highly unlikely that this world is habitable: it has a surface temperature of 370C.

Dr John Southworth, the lead researcher from Keele University, said: "To my knowledge the hottest temperature that life has been able to survive on Earth is 120C and that's far cooler than this planet."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39521344

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easynow said:

They have studied a world known as GJ 1132b, which is 1.4-times the size of our planet and lies 39 light years away.

Their observations suggest that the "super-Earth" is cloaked in a thick layer of gasses that are either water or methane or a mixture of both.

Discovering an atmosphere, and characterising it, is an important step forward in the hunt for life beyond our Solar System.

But it is highly unlikely that this world is habitable: it has a surface temperature of 370C.

Dr John Southworth, the lead researcher from Keele University, said: "To my knowledge the hottest temperature that life has been able to survive on Earth is 120C and that's far cooler than this planet."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39521344

Click to expand...

easynow said:

They have studied a world known as GJ 1132b, which is 1.4-times the size of our planet and lies 39 light years away.

Their observations suggest that the "super-Earth" is cloaked in a thick layer of gasses that are either water or methane or a mixture of both.

Discovering an atmosphere, and characterising it, is an important step forward in the hunt for life beyond our Solar System.

But it is highly unlikely that this world is habitable: it has a surface temperature of 370C.

Dr John Southworth, the lead researcher from Keele University, said: "To my knowledge the hottest temperature that life has been able to survive on Earth is 120C and that's far cooler than this planet."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39521344

Click to expand...

Herr Tubthumper said:

GJ1132b is a really shit name. Those aliens don't have much of an imagination.

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Not Andy Naylor said:

Pah - next you'll be telling me they've detected an atmosphere at the Madejski Stadium.

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I remember the good times said:

They spoke on the radio recently about Voyager having now left our solar system. So where has it gone? Does the next solar system start straight away, in which case why isn't there a planet on the edge of it. If it's not in the next solar system, then what is it in?

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Wrong-Direction said:

Come back to me when they find something worthwhile.

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I remember the good times said:

They spoke on the radio recently about Voyager having now left our solar system. So where has it gone? Does the next solar system start straight away, in which case why isn't there a planet on the edge of it. If it's not in the next solar system, then what is it in?

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Commander said:

I never really understand why they always judge potential life on other planets by the situation that happened it to allow it on ours. In the highly likely scenario that there is life somewhere else, why would it have to breath oxygen and live in a temperature below about 60C? If it's that far away then surely it's just as likely it's a completely different setup?

I will admit that these scientist are probably slightly more clued up on the subject than I am though.


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Herr Tubthumper said:

GJ1132b is a really shit name. Those aliens don't have much of an imagination.

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