New Type of Alien Planet Is a Steamy 'Waterworld'

space.com ^ | 02/21/12

[KevinDavis]

To date, astronomers have discovered more than 700 planets beyond our solar system, with about 2,300 more "candidates" awaiting confirmation by follow-up observations.

[KevinDavis]

[varmintman]

Astounding we can now see things at those kinds of distances.

Also interesting is that most of the planets being found appear to belong to dwarf stars; our situation is unusual.

[Oberon]

"Scientists have discovered a new type of alien planet — a steamy waterworld that is larger than Earth but smaller than Uranus.

If I giggled to myself when I read this, does that mean I'm childish and immature?

[TBP]

Interesting.

[GeronL]

446f... how much pressure would it require for that to have liquid water seas?

[cripplecreek]

Its believed that 80% of the stars in the universe are red dwarfs and are only visible to us in infrared light. Seems like I read that we discovered one only about 6 light years away a few years back.

Considering the possibility that red dwarfs may last for as much as a trillion years (yes with a T) planets around them would be good places for life to exist. However the planet needs to be so close as to be tidally locked which presents problems for life. Still, the variables are nearly infinite so who knows.

[cripplecreek]

Scientists are tired of these stupid jokes so they’re changing the name of Uranus. I suggest Urectum.

[smokingfrog]

I wonder if they have any alien life forms?

[lilyfreeper]

can we send little Ricky there? He can certainly be elected there.

[dr_lew]

446 F is exactly 230 C ( Hmmm ) so consulting the PV diagram for water, a liquid vapor interface at that temperature would require a pressure of about 4 MPa. Noting that 100 C requires 0.1 MPa, we see that this is about 40 atmospheres. Then at 33 feet per atmosphere, that's 1320 feet of ocean depth on earth.

[GeronL]

So... it might actually be possible on a world that is 2.7 times bigger than Earth. Of course the vast majority of that water is probably going to be in steam clouds as thick as the clouds on Venus. lol.

[GeronL]

Koreans in the water!!

heh

[hinckley buzzard]

Considering the possibility that red dwarfs may last for as much as a trillion years (yes with a T) planets around them would be good places for life to exist.

Glad you're planning ahead!

[cripplecreek]

I’m a prepper who doesn’t screw around.

[sit-rep]

nah... just a pervert lol... ;)

[max americana]

“smaller than Uranus”

(beavis butthead laugh) umm hehehe you said yur anus..

[wastedyears]

I can't believe I haven't seen this posted on here yet.

[Joe Brower]

"Also interesting is that most of the planets being found appear to belong to dwarf stars; our situation is unusual"

Sol is classified as a yellow dwarf.

[tumblindice]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW_HnAgw_cI
Where is that guy with the hair when we need him?
`Aliens Gone Steamy Wild II’?