‘Super-Earths’ and ‘mini-Neptunes’ abound among planets outside our solar system

washingtonpost.com ^ | Monday, January 6,

[BenLurkin]

Astronomer Geoff Marcy of the University of California at Berkeley presented data showing that about 85 percent of planets found by NASA’s Kepler space telescope are “mini-Neptunes” or “super-Earths.” Marcy noted that these planets orbit close to their parent stars and that it is possible, with advances in instrument sensitivity, that scientists will discover an abundance of small, rocky planets at more distant orbits.

But that’s not what we see so far. Instead, there seems to be a distinct cosmic preference for this intermediate range of planet. These planets also seem to follow a pronounced pattern: Up to about twice the diameter of Earth, they are rocky and dense. But beyond that the average density plummets dramatically, suggesting that the bigger worlds are enveloped in gas.

[freedumb2003]

FWIIW, I hated “Heroes” and gave up after the 3rd episode.

[cripplecreek]

I believe the smallest planet we’ve found is smaller than earth but its also the closest orbiting in the Alpha Centauri system.

[RetiredTexasVet]

Quite long on speculation and short on facts .... the old scientifically based might possibly, could possibly, odds are, etc.

[dfwgator]

Like monkeys COULD fly out of my butt.

[JAKraig]

It is normal for stars to have planets. That means we are far from alone or unique.

The interesting thing is timing. If We are not alone, surely we are not, then when were the other worlds created? If millions of years before us then what must their status be now. What about billions of years before us?

I don't propose to know who God is, suffice it to say I believe there is (a) God. It would be statistically impossible for there not to be a being so far advanced to us that He would be God.

Please don't throw things at me. I'm not saying that God evolved on another planet somewhere, I'm only saying that it is impossible that there are not beings so far advanced from us that to us we would have no other term for them but God.

When I see an atheist who says there is no god, I shake my head and realize there has to be God.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks BenLurkin.

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[dragnet2]

I basically agree....God could have come from another dimension, or from another universe altogether when this universe was formed/created. Earth seems way too perfect regarding it's ability to harbor/sustain so many different life forms, to just be happenstance or coincidence.

[usconservative]

But beyond that the average density plummets dramatically, suggesting that the bigger worlds are enveloped in gas.

Cool! When we run out of gas for our cars and trucks here, we know where to get more!

Earth first, we can drill baby drill the rest of 'em later......

[usconservative]

Please don't throw things at me. I'm not saying that God evolved on another planet somewhere, I'm only saying that it is impossible that there are not beings so far advanced from us that to us we would have no other term for them but God.

Nope, not going to throw anything at you. I will however encourage you to continue your search for Him. Acknowledging the fact that there is a Creator is but the first step in the journey for truth. :-)