Alien Solar System Looks Strikingly Like Ours

Space.com ^ | 08/27/2010 | Space.com

[The Magical Mischief Tour]

Astronomers have discovered a group of at least five planets – with hints of two more – circling around a star in an arrangement similar to our own solar system. Confirmation of the extra planets would make this the highest tally of alien worlds ever spotted around a single star.

The planets and their own sun-like star are about 127 light-years from Earth, astronomers with the European Southern Observatory said. It is one of just 15 planetary systems known to have more than three worlds.

The five planets circle their parent star, HD 10180, in a regular pattern like the planets of our solar system, only in a more compact arrangement, the researchers said.

Of the two potential additional planets that may be present, one may have a mass that is the closest to the Earth's yet seen, if it is confirmed, they added. [The Strangest Alien Planets]

"We have found what is most likely the system with the most planets yet discovered," astronomer Christophe Lovis, lead author of the study, said in a statement Tuesday. "This remarkable discovery also highlights the fact that we are now entering a new era in exoplanet research: the study of complex planetary systems and not just of individual planets.

[ItsForTheChildren]

"...we are now entering a new era in exoplanet research: the study of complex planetary systems and not just of individual planets."

That's just seriously awesome.

[cripplecreek]

Yep. I wish I could believe it would inspire scientific intrest in children the way the moon landings did with me.

[GeronL]

bump

[Nick Danger]

The Earthlings have found us. Send the Death Star. Remember to beam me up first — G'narr

[central_va]

Alien Solar System Looks Strikingly Like Ours

What, there are Mexicans up there too?

[csvset]

Wow. Space cousins.

[garjog]

[BreezyDog]

And it is only one and a half lifetimes away traveling at the speed of light the whole time....

[The Magical Mischief Tour]

Wow. Space cousins.

You statement might be closer to the truth than most here on Earth are comfortable realizing.

[Perdogg]

not unless we build a wormhole.

[BreezyDog]

You statement might be closer to the truth than most here on Earth are comfortable realizing.

True...very true.

[Scythian]

Please send men, all ours are dead, it was an, ummm, accident ...

[BreezyDog]

not unless we build a wormhole.

I've got some 2X4's, nails and a case of Bud...who has the blue prints..

[Pontiac]

The five strongest wobble signals were caused by planets with masses similar to Neptune, between 13 and 25 times the mass of the Earth.

No gas giants seem to be present in the HD 10180 star system.

These planets have masses similar to Neptune yet are not gas giants?

Those are pretty large rocky planets.

[central_va]

not unless we build a wormhole.

You need a permit to do that?

[brytlea]

LOL

[italybub]

Tralfamadore, with Montana Wildhack ?

[Frantzie]

Doppleganger aka Journey to the Far Side of the Sun
http://www.space1999.net/catacombs/plus/dt/vcpgadp.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doppelg%C3%A4nger_(1969_film)

http://www.aveleyman.com/FilmCredit.aspx?FilmID=10020
Edward Bishop

[JSteff]

not unless we build a wormhole

No need. There is one end (horizon?) in our dryer.