NASA Just Found Another Super-Earth, But It's Stunning To Hear How Close It Is
August 6, 2015 #expanse
 
By August West
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There's been a lot of talk about Super-Earths lately, with Kepler recently finding Earth's "older cousin," but this one is notable for an entirely different reason. At just 21 lightyears away, HD 219134b is the nearest known rocky planet beyond our solar system. In a recent press release from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NASA called the planet "a potential gold mine of science data."

NASA notes that the planet can't be seen directly, with your eyes or a telescope — but its host star is clearly visible at night. If the clouds are playing nice, you shouldn't have much of a problem finding it tonight. It's located near the North Star, in the Cassiopeia constellation. You're not crazy for wondering how they found it without being able to see it directly. They were able to confirm its existence by making observations through the Spitzer Space Telescope, taking note of how it transits its star. Michael Werner is the project scientist, and he's psyched about the find. In the press release from JPL, he's quoted as saying that "this exoplanet will be one of the most studied for decades to come."

Check out the clips below for a bit more information. The one on top is from JPL, and it'll show you where to find the planet in the night sky. The video underneath has a bit more information about the planet itself. Let us know what you think, and be sure to share this article with your friends on Facebook!

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