Astronomers have discovered the lightest exoplanet to date, a tiny world designated GJ 367 b, with about half the mass of the Earth. The exoplanet — the term for planets around other star systems — zips around its parent star in a speedy 7.7 days and is unusually dense, appearing to be made of almost pure iron.
The discovery offers scientists a way to study how worlds closer to stars form. The lightweight entity’s existence challenges aspects of planetary formation theories and could be hinting that miniature worlds come in a much wider diversity than previously believed.
Astronomers have discovered the lightest exoplanet to date, a tiny world designated GJ 367 b, with about half the mass of the Earth. The exoplanet — the term for planets around other star systems — zips around its parent star in a speedy 7.7 days and is unusually dense, appearing to be made of almost pure iron.The discovery offers scientists a way to study how worlds closer to stars form. The lightweight entity’s existence challenges aspects of planetary formation theories and could be hinting that miniature worlds come in a much wider diversity than previously believed.One scientist described the findings as “mind-blowing.” Another: “It’s a weird ball.”