'Super-Earth' atmosphere measured (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Jason Palmer
Science and technology reporter, BBC News

The atmosphere surrounding a "super-Earth" extrasolar planet has been measured for the first time.

The planet, GJ 1214b, is three times larger than Earth and about seven times heavier, and is the first planet of its kind known to have an atmosphere.

Researchers reporting in Nature have said it appears to have either a dense atmosphere of water steam, or is wrapped in thick clouds like Venus.

More experiments measuring more colours of light will bear out which it is.

The method used could be used on many ground-based telescopes to yield atmospheric data on other exoplanets
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11886942

[Taverner]

1. Maybe we can move there and leave the baggers behind

[Jackpine Radical]

2. Maybe the baggers can move there

and leave us behind.

[Taverner]

3. That would be best

Actually, no, best would be that all baggers commit voluntary simultaneous suicide at once.

But that won't happen. Hate is a way for someone to stay alive, unfortunately.

[Jackpine Radical]

4. But if they all kill themselves at once, wouldn't that create a

toxic waste disposal problem?

[Taverner]

5. Or a 'Soylent Green is Best' moment

;)

[Jackpine Radical]

6. Eat one of them at your own risk.

Eating the actual rich is much healthier; they tend to be leaner and fed on better fodder.