Kepler 78b: The Demon Planet

We didn't even discover Pluto (the trans-Neptunian dwarf planet) until 1930. What's more, we still don't have a comprehensive map of our own solar system, so it's no surprise that finding planets outside of our solar system is a bit tricky (and that's putting it mildly). However, recent technological advancements have allowed us to refine our planet tracking abilities. As a result, we are discovering exoplanets right and left and, well, all across the cosmos really. In fact, Kepler recently released a whole catalog of new exoplanets.



Today, I would like to talk about one in a bit more detail. In fact, I would like to take this time to nominate Kepler 78b to receive the "most unpleasant terrestrial planet to live on" award (high honors, indeed). One of the most notable features of this planet is its 8 ½ hour year. That's right, Kepler 78b completes a full orbit around its parent star in just under 9 hours. Every time you go to bed, you wake up in a new year. You go to work one year, and you go home the next (talk about a long 'year' at the office).

To read the full article, see: http://www.fromquarkstoquasars.com/kepler-78b-the-demon-planet/

Image credit: ESO
http://www.eso.org/public/news/eso0933/