Meet K2-360 b, a fascinating new Super-Earth that boasts a staggering density, comparable to lead. Located in a distant solar system, this rocky planet, which contains 7.7 times the mass of Earth, measures only 1.6 times our planet’s size. This remarkable density of approximately 11 grams per cubic centimeter makes K2-360 b the densest known member of the ultra-short-period Super-Earths.
K2-360 b orbits its star in an astonishingly brief 21-hour cycle, making it one of the fastest orbiting planets documented. Its proximity to the star has not only contributed to its discovery but also offers insights into its dense composition.
Discovered by NASA’s K2 mission in 2016, astronomers have since conducted follow-up studies to calculate its mass and radius, leading to the revelation of its heavy density. Surprisingly, the planet’s iron core makes up nearly half of its mass, prompting speculation about its origins.
Researchers hypothesize that K2-360 b may be the remnant core of a once-massive gas giant that spiraled too close to its star. Intense solar radiation likely stripped away its gaseous atmosphere, transforming it into a rocky world, potentially covered in molten lava.
Additionally, K2-360 b shares its cosmic neighborhood with a larger companion, K2-360 c, hinting at a complex evolutionary history shaped by gravitational forces. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, underscores the prevalence of extraordinary celestial bodies in our universe.
Discover K2-360 b: The Densest Super-Earth Yet
### Overview of K2-360 b
K2-360 b is an intriguing new Super-Earth that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. This rocky exoplanet, located in a distant solar system, boasts a staggering density comparable to that of lead, making it the densest known ultra-short-period Super-Earth. With a mass 7.7 times that of Earth and a radius only 1.6 times larger, K2-360 b presents a unique opportunity for scientists to study planetary formation and development.
### Key Features
– **Density**: Approximately 11 grams per cubic centimeter, K2-360 b stands out due to its extreme density.
– **Orbital Period**: The planet orbits its star in just 21 hours, classifying it among the fastest orbiting exoplanets on record.
– **Mass and Composition**: Comprising nearly half of its mass as a solid iron core, K2-360 b raises questions regarding its geological history and internal structure.
### Hypothesis on Origin and Evolution
Researchers theorize that K2-360 b may be the remnant core of a larger gas giant that ventured too close to its host star. The intense solar radiation likely stripped away its original gaseous envelope, leaving behind a rocky world potentially covered in molten lava. This dramatic transformation emphasizes the dynamic processes that can occur in planetary systems.
### Astrophysical Significance
K2-360 b’s discovery by NASA’s K2 mission in 2016 has led to ongoing studies, focusing on its mass, radius, and potential for further understanding the behavior of rocky exoplanets. Being part of a binary system with the companion planet K2-360 c, K2-360 b’s gravitational interactions could provide insights into the evolutionary pathways of neighboring celestial bodies.
### Pros and Cons of Studying K2-360 b
#### Pros:
– Provides a unique case study on the evolution of rocky planets.
– Enhances our understanding of planetary density and composition.
– Aids in identifying similarities and differences among exoplanets.
#### Cons:
– Its extreme conditions may limit the applicability of findings to more hospitable worlds.
– Distance from Earth complicates further observational studies.
### Conclusion
K2-360 b exemplifies the extraordinary diversity of celestial bodies within our universe, challenging our understanding of planetary evolution and formation. As astronomers continue to explore this fascinating Super-Earth, it may hold key insights into the nature of exoplanets and the complex dynamics of planetary systems.
For more information about K2-360 b and other exoplanet discoveries, visit NASA.
