Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Super Water World Found

This could be a big discovery depending on what sort of atmosphere it has.

Its density suggests however it "is composed of about three-fourths water and other ices and one fourth-rock," it said. "There are also tantalising hints that the planet has a gaseous atmosphere."

Its temperature is estimated at between 280 and 120 degrees Celsius (536 and 248 degrees Fahrenheit) with its host star about one-fifth the size of the Sun, according to the scientists.

"Despite its hot temperature, this appears to be a waterworld," says Zachory Berta, a graduate student who first spotted hints of the planet's presence.

I wonder if that is the surface temperature or not? You figure if that was just the surface temperature you might find life deeper in its ocean where it would be colder.

Plus the gravity on the planet would be pretty high being so close to its sun so any creatures would be super strong. Could it be a world of giant, super-strong, water beasts? I'm talking sharks the size of apartment buildings and octopi the size of city blocks. I think it is time to send a probe since this planet is only 42 light years away.

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