Astronomers find 50 new exoplanets: Richest haul of planets so far includes 16 new super-Earths
Monday, September 12, 2011 - 14:30
in Astronomy & Space
Astronomers using the European Southern Observatory's world-leading exoplanet hunter HARPS have announced a rich haul of more than 50 new exoplanets, including 16 super-Earths, one of which orbits at the edge of the habitable zone of its star. By studying the properties of all the HARPS planets found so far, the team has found that about 40% of stars similar to the Sun have at least one planet lighter than Saturn.