New Planet CoRoT-7b, the First Super-Lo

Considered to be the best comparison to Earth of all planets located outside the solar system, CoRoT-7b is defined as a new class of planets. The new class is known as "super-lo." However, recent studies are suggesting that CoRoT-7b may actually differ significantly from Earth.

History

The COROT space telescope was successfully launched in December of 2006. The mission of COROT was to study the periodic disappearance of starlight in relation to orbiting bodies temporarily positioned in front of the star, as seen from Earth. In February, 2009, scientists distinguished CoRoT-7b as the smallest exoplanet found orbiting a star.

Characteristics

Roughly twice the size of Earth, CoRoT-7b mass and density confirm that the planet is indeed, a rocky landscape. In addition, scientists suggest that the surface temperature is hot enough to provide oceans of lava, and possibly rain showers of hot magma. Active volcanoes are also very likely.

Similarities

Jupiter's moon lo has a similar environment. Lo is constantly driven by Jupiter's gravitational forces, which generates enough heat to create an environment full of volcanoes and drastic temperatures. Lo and CoRoT-7b are both tidally locked, meaning that one side is always facing the same direction. For lo, that direction is towards Jupiter. In contrast, one side of CoRoT-7b is constantly directed towards a star.

Because the planet is so far from Earth, even the most advanced telescopes will have a difficult time confirming the aforementioned characteristics. However, because of its drastic similarities to the moon, lo, it is very possible. Assuming volcanic elements are present, scientists may be able to distinguish volcanic gases emitted into the planet's atmosphere. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is convinced that CoRoT-7b is the first of many exoplanets resembling lo, and that future space expeditions will produce similar results. The class super-lo will eventually flourish, and NASA eventually hopes to reveal a super-Earth.

National Geographic Daily News (2010). Super Earth may really be new planet type. Retrieved Feb 09, 2010 from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100205-new-type-planet-corot-7b-io/