#mini-neptunes

the Webb Space Telescope has observed a full orbit of the exoplanet (outside our solar system), revealing GJ 1214 b to be a highly reflective world with a steamy atmosphere. while the planet is hot by human standards, it's much cooler than expected because its unusually shiny atmosphere reflects a lot of light from its parent star rather than absorbing it and growing hotter

these new observations open the door to deeper knowledge about a planet type shrouded in uncertainty. "Mini-Neptunes" are the most common type of planet in our galaxy, but mysterious because we don't have one in our Solar System

A Mysterious “Mini-Neptune”

The James Webb Space Telescope has observed a distant planet outside our solar system to reveal what is likely a highly reflective world with a steamy atmosphere. And while the planet is hot by human standards, it is much cooler than expected. That’s because its unusually shiny atmosphere reflects a large fraction of the light from its parent star rather than absorbing it and growing hotter.

The new observations could open the door to deeper knowledge of a planet type shrouded in uncertainty. Mini-Neptunes are the most common type of planet in the galaxy, but mysterious to us because they don’t occur in our solar system. Measurements so far show they are broadly similar to, say, a downsized version of our own Neptune. 

Scientists discover an ‘exceptional’ planetary system that might be key to understanding how other systems form- Technology News, Firstpost

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Press Trust of IndiaApr 22, 2020 14:19:55 IST

Scientists have discovered a six-planet system – a “super-Earth” and five “mini-Neptunes” which display an exceptionally regular spacing, hinting at how the system may have formed.

The planets revolving the star HD 158259 in the Draco constellation were found using the SOPHIE spectrograph installed at the Haute-Provence Observatory in the…

Orbital rhythm – Exoplanetary system is in almost perfect harmony as it revolves around its star- Technology News, Firstpost

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Press Trust of IndiaApr 22, 2020 08:50:06 IST

Scientists have discovered a six-planet system – a “super-Earth” and five “mini-Neptunes” which display an exceptionally regular spacing, hinting at how the system may have formed.

The planets revolving the star HD 158259 in the Draco constellation were found using the SOPHIE spectrograph installed at the Haute-Provence Observatory in the…

Physics of Exoplanets: From Earth-sized to Mini-Neptunes

This conference will address the science of planetary interiors by combining recent observations of exoplanets, advances in planetary orbital dynamics, and discoveries in experimental and theoretical high pressure science. An emphasis will be placed on planets with radii up to 2.5 times that of the Earth. (more…)

Abundant 'Mini-Neptunes' Form New Class of Alien Planets

WASHINGTON--There's a new kind of planet to add to Kepler's cornucopia of alien worlds, and you won't find it in Earth's own solar system.

Ground-based follow-up observations of planets found by NASA's Kepler spacecraft reveal the masses and densities of 16 new planets ranging between one and four times the size of Earth. Many of the newfound orbs, described here today (Jan. 6) at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, have a rocky core surrounded by a puffed-up envelope of gas, which scientists are calling "sub-Neptunes" or "mini-Neptunes."