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Credit: David A. Hardy,
PPARC
Explanation:
Astronomers have discovered a planetary system more similar to
our own
Solar System than any
known previously.
The bright star HD70642, visible with binoculars toward the constellation of
Puppis, was already known to be a star like our Sun.
Now a planet with twice Jupiter's mass has been discovered
in a nearly circular orbit at approximately half the
orbital distance of
Jupiter.
Such an orbit allows the possibility of habitable
Earth-type planets orbiting further in,
a possibility not likely with all
previously discovered planetary systems
with massive planets occupying disruptive closer
elliptical orbits.
The above illustration indicates what the
HD70642 planetary system might look like from a
hypothetical moon orbiting the newly discovered planet.
At only 90 light years distant, extremely faint
early radio broadcasts from
Earth are now passing this planetary system.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day