Kepler-37b

Kepler - 37b is an extrasolar planet that accompanies the star Kepler -37, in the constellation Lyra. He is so far the smallest exoplanet orbiting a main-sequence star. Its mass and its radius are only slightly larger than that of the earthly moon.

Discovery

Kepler - 37b was discovered along with the planet Kepler - 37c and Kepler - 37d from the Space Telescope. Its size was determined by asteroseismology. Kepler -37 is so far the smallest star, and with this kind of technology has been applied. This method allows to determine the size of a planet very closely. Its discovery was made possible by its short rotation time, its relative brightness and the low activity its sun. The discovery of Kepler- 37b was led by Jack Lissauer.

Data

Physical quantities

The approximately 210 light years away from Earth planet is only slightly larger than our moon with a diameter of 3900 km. According to NASA, the planet has no atmosphere may, therefore no life is possible. In addition, its surface is actually composed of only rocks as it orbits the sun so closely. Its surface temperature is about 425 ° C.

Orbitals sizes

Kepler - 37b orbits its sun at a distance of about 15 million km with an orbital period of about 13 days. The two outer planets orbit their sun in the approximate ratio of 8:5 and 3:1 for extrasolar Kepler - 37b.