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Astronomy Picture of the Day 6-14-02
NASA ^
| 6-14-02
| Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell
Posted on 06/14/2002 5:28:02 AM PDT by petuniasevan
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
2002 June 14
55 Cancri: Familiar Planet Discovered
Illustration Credit & Copyright: Lynette Cook
Explanation: Is our Solar System unique? The discovery of a Jupiter-like planet in a Jupiter-like orbit around nearby Sun-like star 55 Cancri, announced yesterday, gives a new indication that planetary systems similar to our Solar System likely exist elsewhere. The planet, discovered by G. Marcy (UC Berkeley) and collaborators, is one of two new planets found around 55 Cancri -- in 1997 a Jupiter-massed planet was found orbiting very close in. The finding involved noting subtle changes in the speed of the star caused by its orbiting planets. The above drawing depicts what this planet might look like, complete with a hypothetical moon. The star 55 Cancri, only 40 light-years distant, is visible with binoculars towards the constellation of Cancer.
TOPICS: Astronomy; Astronomy Picture of the Day; Science
KEYWORDS: art; astronomy; extrasolar; image; planet; space; spaceart; star; xplanets
Today's APOD is space art, for a change.
The space artist's conception, whether based on a real place or the imagination,
is exhilarating and sublimely beautiful.
Get on the APOD PING list! 
To: MozartLover; Joan912; NovemberCharlie; snowfox; Dawgsquat; viligantcitizen; theDentist; grlfrnd...
APOD PING!
To: petuniasevan
Star 55 Cancri is exciting for some, mainly the press. Whether the system has a planet close enough to earthlike that it can be rendered fit for human habitation is still not known. We don't need to look so far distant for a second earth since the situation on Mars has been clarified. But there is an undercurrent of excitement. I believe there are millions of people who would do anything to get off this planet, and this hint of a possibility feeds their hopes.
To: petuniasevan
Thanks for the pings. I love them! Each planet found lends itself to the thought that my search is not totally futile. :-)
To: RightWhale
Indeed. I really agree with you. Rare Earth was an eye opener for sure. I just personally don't know one way or the other. (I'm am an agnostic when it comes to extra solar civilizations :-))
To: petuniasevan
Love this one.
I look forward to seeing your wonderful selections each day.
To: RightWhale
Get off this planet? Preposterous!!! I could NEVER Leave our Moon worshipping Islamist "Friends" behind to intrigue themselves into extinction interpreting the KORAN however it d@mn well suits them from moment to moment? </ sarcasm> BEAM ME UP, ANYONE!!!
To: sleavelessinseattle
There are some who would jump at the chance to leave this backwater mudball and its airless, barren moon behind forever. Let the meek and their self-deluded masters fight over property corner markers here for the rest of time.
To: RightWhale
You ARE Right Whale...
To: petuniasevan
SWEET!
It reminds me of the rock that is found in the SW corner of Montana....travertine. It is formed by the suphurifc activity! The colors and swirls in this shot are reminiscent of that type of rock!
Nothing like another reminder of 'home'! Thanks, so much! You make my day!
To: ~EagleNebula~
ROFL! My fingers got away from me, and I spelled it wrong!!! Missed it when I previewed it too quickly! Have a good laugh, ya'll!!!
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