Astronomers discover ancient solar system
Posted: Wed, Jan 28, 2015, 7:36 AM ET (1236 GMT)
Astronomers announced Tuesday the discovery of a solar system with five planets estimated to be 11 billion years old, the oldest solar system yet found. The planets orbit Kepler-444, a star 117 light-years from the Earth and about 25 percent smaller than the Sun. The star has five planets with sizes estimates to be between that of Mercury and Venus, all orbiting very close to the star. Astronomers calculated the star's age, based on measurements of its oscillations, at 11.2 billion years old, making the star the oldest one known to have planets. It also indicates that planetary systems existed within a few billion years after the Big Bang.
Astronomers announced Tuesday the discovery of a solar system with five planets estimated to be 11 billion years old, the oldest solar system yet found. The planets orbit Kepler-444, a star 117 light-years from the Earth and about 25 percent smaller than the Sun. The star has five planets with sizes estimates to be between that of Mercury and Venus, all orbiting very close to the star. Astronomers calculated the star's age, based on measurements of its oscillations, at 11.2 billion years old, making the star the oldest one known to have planets. It also indicates that planetary systems existed within a few billion years after the Big Bang.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Space Force selects companies to develop space-based interceptor prototypes
Posted: Sun, Nov 30 8:40 AM ET (1340 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, November 30
Orbit Fab wins ESA funding to lead “ASTRAL” – a European landmark in-orbit refuelling mission
Orbit Fab — 11:25 am ET (1625 GMT) Satellite Industry Association Celebrates 30 Years of Advocating on Behalf of the U.S. Satellite Industry as it Undergoes Historic Growth and Innovation
SIA — 11:25 am ET (1625 GMT) UAE Space Agency concludes leadership of largest space pavilion at Dubai Airshow
SatelliteProME.com — 11:19 am ET (1619 GMT) ST Engineering Selected to Support UAE’s Space Ambitions with Cutting-Edge SAR Satellite
ST Engineering — 11:17 am ET (1617 GMT) Members of Congress Weigh In On LEO Satellite Broadband’s Potential To Connect Everyone, Everywhere
Connect Everyone Coalition — 11:15 am ET (1615 GMT) |
