Major Scientific Discovery - Extrasolar planet announcement 25 Jan 18:00 GMT

In summary: The method used to detect extrasolar planets, known as "gravitational lensing," can reveal planets that are much smaller than those that can be seen with the naked eye. By studying the light that is bent by the planet as it passes in front of its star, astronomers can determine the object's mass and distance from the star.Planet OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb, which was found using this technique, is one of the smallest extrasolar planets yet discovered, and appears to be similar in size to Earth.The discovery was made using the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile, and is being published in the January issue of Nature.This
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http://television.esa.int/default.cfm

Major Scientific Discovery - EMBARGOED
ESA TV News
Replay 1: 27 January 2006, 10:15-10:30 GMT

Replay 2: 28 January 2006, 11:30-11:45 GMT

The scientific journal NATURE will publish in its issue dated 26 January 2006, a major paper on a discovery addressing extra-solar planets.

The European Southern Observatory ESO contributed to this publication and has produced a Video News Release featuring new 3-D graphics, background footage and interview soundbites.

As for all NATURE papers, this release is strictly embargoed until 25 January 2006, at 18:00 GMT.

On 25 January at 17:30 GMT, the script for this TV Exchange will be posted as a PDF file under http://television.esa.int/photos/EbS44312.pfd

Also a pre-view video clip will be online on the ESA TV Website as of that time.

This ESA TV Exchanges feed is transmitted by the European Commission's "Europe by Satellite" (EbS) service. You can find the complete transmission schedule and download scripts and shot lists, also for ESA TV items, from the EbS Web site at http://europa.eu.int/comm/ebs/schedule.cfm

Anyone with some inside information?
 
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ESO Press Release: http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2006/pr-03-06.html

Also with downloadable videos: http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2006/vid-03-06.html
 
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http://www.nature.com/news/2006/060123/full/060123-5.html

25 January 2006
Found: one Earth-like planet
Astronomers use gravity lensing to spot homely planets.
Mark Peplow
Astronomers say they have found the most Earth-like planet yet outside our Solar System. At just 5.5 times the mass of Earth it is one of the smallest extrasolar planets ever found, and orbits its star at a distance comparable to that of habitable worlds.

Similarly sized extrasolar planets have been found before. But the method used to detect them meant we could see smallish planets only when they were very close to their suns, and such bodies are battered by scorching radiation.

Planet OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb looks much more like home. It lies about 390 million kilometres from its star: if it were inside our Solar System, the planet would sit between Mars and Jupiter.

Some blog discussion:
http://scienceblogs.com/principles/2006/01/a_new_life_awaits_you_in_the_o.php[/URL]Clear explanation of technique here:
[url]http://cosmicvariance.com/2006/01/25/general-relativity-as-a-tool/[/url]BBC article here:
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4647142.stm[/url]
 
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Best discussion of this I've seen:

http://www.anthonares.net/2006/01/published-research-synopsis-55-earth.html

includes an interesting graph plotting mass/distance date on exoplanets found so far

and the beautiful lensing light curve that this discovery is based on

the arxiv preprint of the technical journal article is also available:

http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0601563
 
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Well, I wouldn't call it 'Earth-like', except that it is 'small' compared to Jupiter, Saturn, and the majority of exosolar planets yet discovered.

It has a mass 5-5.5 times that of Earth, it orbits a red dwarf (smaller and cooler than the sun), and its period about that parent star is 10 years! Not quite Earth-like, IMO.

Another story link - http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3551543a10,00.html

Predicted surface temperatures are minus 220°C (-364°F), meaning that its surface is likely to be layer of frozen liquid. It may therefore resemble a more massive version of Pluto!
from the BBC on-line article. Definitely not earth-like.
 
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Astronuc, I think what they mean is, that it’s the most Earth-like planet so far discovered. And going by the criteria of what constitutes an Earth-like planet, it may be the closest approximation we have for some time, now the TPF has been http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1092"
 
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Predicted surface temperatures are minus 220°C (-364°F), meaning that its surface is likely to be layer of frozen liquid. It may therefore resemble a more massive version of Pluto!

How do they know it has a solid surface? It could be a smaller gaseous planet like Uranus or Neptune.
 
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How would gravity on this planet's surface compare to earth's
 

1. What is the significance of this extrasolar planet announcement?

This announcement marks the discovery of a new planet outside of our solar system, which is a major scientific breakthrough. It opens up new possibilities for understanding the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.

2. How was this extrasolar planet discovered?

This planet was discovered using a variety of methods, including the transit method, radial velocity method, and direct imaging. Scientists were able to detect the planet's presence by observing its effects on its host star.

3. What makes this extrasolar planet significant compared to others that have been discovered?

This planet is significant because it is within the "habitable zone" of its star, meaning it has the potential to support liquid water and potentially life. It is also relatively close to Earth, making it a potential target for further study.

4. What tools and technology were used to make this discovery?

Scientists used a variety of telescopes and instruments, such as the Kepler Space Telescope and the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS), to make this discovery. These tools allowed them to detect the planet's presence and gather data about its characteristics.

5. What are the future implications of this extrasolar planet announcement?

This announcement has opened up new possibilities for studying and understanding the universe, as well as the potential for finding other habitable planets and potential extraterrestrial life. It also highlights the importance of continued research and advancements in technology for making such discoveries.

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