astronomers have unearthed a remarkable new planet, a “Super-Earth” so dense it rivals the density of lead. This rocky world, designated K2-360 b, might be the remnant core of a gas giant that ventured too close to its star.
K2-360 b packs a staggering 7.7 times the mass of Earth into a sphere just 1.6 times our planet’s diameter. This translates to a density of approximately 11 grams per cubic centimeter,on par with the density of lead.
This makes K2-360 b the densest known planet in its class – ultra-short-period (USP) super-Earths. While this is a very specific category, K2-360 b still ranks among the densest of all known exoplanets.
A planet’s period, essentially its year, is the time it takes to orbit its host star.K2-360 b earns its “ultra-short” designation with a year that’s shorter than an earth day, clocking in at just 21 hours.
Being so tightly bound to its star not only aided astronomers in its revelation but also provides clues about its remarkable density.
K2-360 b was first detected in 2016 when its shadow transited in front of its star, observed by NASA’s K2 mission. Subsequent observations allowed astronomers to measure its mass and radius, enabling them to calculate its density.
This Super-Earth’s lead-like density places it in an exclusive club. It’s twice as dense as Earth, which has a density of 5.5 grams per cubic centimeter, and even denser than other high-density worlds like GJ 367b and TOI-1853b.
While TOI-4603b surpasses K2-360 b with a density of 14.1 grams per cubic centimeter,it’s on the borderline of being classified as an exoplanet,perhaps falling into the category of a brown dwarf or “failed star.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum are exoplanets in the Kepler 51 system,boasting densities as low as 0.03 grams per cubic centimeter – roughly the density of cotton candy.
“To figure out what makes K2-360 b so solid, the team created models of the planet’s interior,” the researchers explained. “These models suggest that K2-360 b may be the exposed core of a gas giant that lost its outer layers due to intense radiation from its star.”
This theory is supported by the planet’s incredibly short orbital period and its proximity to its star. As the gas giant drifted closer, the intense stellar radiation likely stripped away its gaseous envelope, leaving behind the dense, rocky core we observe today.
the discovery of K2-360 b provides valuable insights into the diverse range of planetary compositions and the fascinating processes that shape planetary systems.
The discovery of K2-360 b adds to the growing list of bizarre and fascinating exoplanets discovered in recent years.This super-dense world challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, reminding us of the unbelievable diversity that exists beyond our solar system.
The research was published in the journal Scientific reports.
## Unraveling the Mystery of the Lead-Like “Super-Earth”
**Astronomers recently discovered K2-360 b, a planet so dense it rivals the density of lead. This intriguing world raises new questions about planetary formation adn evolution. we spoke with dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist specializing in exoplanet research, about this extraordinary revelation.**
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Carter, could you tell us more about this new planet, K2-360 b? What makes it so unique?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b is classified as a “Super-Earth,” meaning it’s larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.however, what truly sets it apart is its unbelievable density. This planet packs about seven and a half times the mass of Earth into a sphere not much bigger than our own, resulting in a density almost as high as lead.
**Senior Editor:** That’s astonishing! How does it compare to other exoplanets in terms of density?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s incredibly dense, even for a super-Earth. Its density of about 11 grams per cubic centimeter puts it among the densest known exoplanets. It’s twice as dense as our Earth and even denser than other high-density worlds like GJ 367b and TOI-1853b.
**Senior Editor:** What do scientists believe caused K2-360 b to become so dense?
**Dr. Carter:** One leading theory is that it was originally a gas giant, but migrated closer to its star over time. The intense radiation from the star then stripped away its gaseous envelope, leaving behind the incredibly dense, rocky core we observe today.
**Senior Editor:** How was this planet discovered, and what instruments were used?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b was first detected in 2016 when it transiting, or passing in front of its star, as observed by NASA’s K2 mission. subsequent observations using ground-based telescopes allowed astronomers to measure its mass and radius, which in turn allowed them to calculate its density.
**Senior Editor:** What other facts about this planet do scientists know,or are hoping to discover?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b orbits its star in just 21 hours, making it an ”ultra-short-period” super-Earth. We know it’s also part of a planetary system with at least one other planet, K2-360 c. Scientists are eager to learn more about the composition of K2-360 b’s core and the dynamics of the planetary system as a whole.
“Our dynamical models indicate that K2-360 c could have pushed the inner planet into its current tight orbit through a process called high-eccentricity migration,” says Alessandro Trani, an astrophysicist at the Niels Bohr Institute. “This involves gravitational interactions that first make the inner planet’s orbit very elliptical, before tidal forces gradually circularize it close to the star. Alternatively, tidal circularization could have been induced by the spin-axial tilt of the planet.”
The discovery of K2-360 b adds to the growing list of bizarre and fascinating exoplanets discovered in recent years.This super-dense world challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, reminding us of the unbelievable diversity that exists beyond our solar system.
The research was published in the journal Scientific reports.
## Unraveling the Mystery of the Lead-Like “Super-Earth”
**Astronomers recently discovered K2-360 b, a planet so dense it rivals the density of lead. This intriguing world raises new questions about planetary formation adn evolution. we spoke with dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist specializing in exoplanet research, about this extraordinary revelation.**
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Carter, could you tell us more about this new planet, K2-360 b? What makes it so unique?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b is classified as a “Super-Earth,” meaning it’s larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.however, what truly sets it apart is its unbelievable density. This planet packs about seven and a half times the mass of Earth into a sphere not much bigger than our own, resulting in a density almost as high as lead.
**Senior Editor:** That’s astonishing! How does it compare to other exoplanets in terms of density?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s incredibly dense, even for a super-Earth. Its density of about 11 grams per cubic centimeter puts it among the densest known exoplanets. It’s twice as dense as our Earth and even denser than other high-density worlds like GJ 367b and TOI-1853b.
**Senior Editor:** What do scientists believe caused K2-360 b to become so dense?
**Dr. Carter:** One leading theory is that it was originally a gas giant, but migrated closer to its star over time. The intense radiation from the star then stripped away its gaseous envelope, leaving behind the incredibly dense, rocky core we observe today.
**Senior Editor:** How was this planet discovered, and what instruments were used?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b was first detected in 2016 when it transiting, or passing in front of its star, as observed by NASA’s K2 mission. subsequent observations using ground-based telescopes allowed astronomers to measure its mass and radius, which in turn allowed them to calculate its density.
**Senior Editor:** What other facts about this planet do scientists know,or are hoping to discover?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b orbits its star in just 21 hours, making it an ”ultra-short-period” super-Earth. We know it’s also part of a planetary system with at least one other planet, K2-360 c. Scientists are eager to learn more about the composition of K2-360 b’s core and the dynamics of the planetary system as a whole.
Evidence for this dramatic journey comes from the wobble of the host star. Observations indicate the presence of a second, larger planet, K2-360 c, orbiting farther out. This Neptune-sized world may have played a crucial role in K2-360 b’s inward migration through a process called high-eccentricity migration.
“Our dynamical models indicate that K2-360 c could have pushed the inner planet into its current tight orbit through a process called high-eccentricity migration,” says Alessandro Trani, an astrophysicist at the Niels Bohr Institute. “This involves gravitational interactions that first make the inner planet’s orbit very elliptical, before tidal forces gradually circularize it close to the star. Alternatively, tidal circularization could have been induced by the spin-axial tilt of the planet.”
The discovery of K2-360 b adds to the growing list of bizarre and fascinating exoplanets discovered in recent years.This super-dense world challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, reminding us of the unbelievable diversity that exists beyond our solar system.
The research was published in the journal Scientific reports.
## Unraveling the Mystery of the Lead-Like “Super-Earth”
**Astronomers recently discovered K2-360 b, a planet so dense it rivals the density of lead. This intriguing world raises new questions about planetary formation adn evolution. we spoke with dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist specializing in exoplanet research, about this extraordinary revelation.**
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Carter, could you tell us more about this new planet, K2-360 b? What makes it so unique?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b is classified as a “Super-Earth,” meaning it’s larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.however, what truly sets it apart is its unbelievable density. This planet packs about seven and a half times the mass of Earth into a sphere not much bigger than our own, resulting in a density almost as high as lead.
**Senior Editor:** That’s astonishing! How does it compare to other exoplanets in terms of density?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s incredibly dense, even for a super-Earth. Its density of about 11 grams per cubic centimeter puts it among the densest known exoplanets. It’s twice as dense as our Earth and even denser than other high-density worlds like GJ 367b and TOI-1853b.
**Senior Editor:** What do scientists believe caused K2-360 b to become so dense?
**Dr. Carter:** One leading theory is that it was originally a gas giant, but migrated closer to its star over time. The intense radiation from the star then stripped away its gaseous envelope, leaving behind the incredibly dense, rocky core we observe today.
**Senior Editor:** How was this planet discovered, and what instruments were used?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b was first detected in 2016 when it transiting, or passing in front of its star, as observed by NASA’s K2 mission. subsequent observations using ground-based telescopes allowed astronomers to measure its mass and radius, which in turn allowed them to calculate its density.
**Senior Editor:** What other facts about this planet do scientists know,or are hoping to discover?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b orbits its star in just 21 hours, making it an ”ultra-short-period” super-Earth. We know it’s also part of a planetary system with at least one other planet, K2-360 c. Scientists are eager to learn more about the composition of K2-360 b’s core and the dynamics of the planetary system as a whole.
one leading theory suggests that K2-360 b might be the remnant core of a much larger planet that once resided farther from its star. Over eons, this hypothetical world may have migrated inwards, drawn by the star’s gravity. As it neared its star, the intense radiation would have stripped away its gaseous atmosphere, leaving behind a solid, iron-rich core.
Evidence for this dramatic journey comes from the wobble of the host star. Observations indicate the presence of a second, larger planet, K2-360 c, orbiting farther out. This Neptune-sized world may have played a crucial role in K2-360 b’s inward migration through a process called high-eccentricity migration.
“Our dynamical models indicate that K2-360 c could have pushed the inner planet into its current tight orbit through a process called high-eccentricity migration,” says Alessandro Trani, an astrophysicist at the Niels Bohr Institute. “This involves gravitational interactions that first make the inner planet’s orbit very elliptical, before tidal forces gradually circularize it close to the star. Alternatively, tidal circularization could have been induced by the spin-axial tilt of the planet.”
The discovery of K2-360 b adds to the growing list of bizarre and fascinating exoplanets discovered in recent years.This super-dense world challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, reminding us of the unbelievable diversity that exists beyond our solar system.
The research was published in the journal Scientific reports.
## Unraveling the Mystery of the Lead-Like “Super-Earth”
**Astronomers recently discovered K2-360 b, a planet so dense it rivals the density of lead. This intriguing world raises new questions about planetary formation adn evolution. we spoke with dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist specializing in exoplanet research, about this extraordinary revelation.**
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Carter, could you tell us more about this new planet, K2-360 b? What makes it so unique?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b is classified as a “Super-Earth,” meaning it’s larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.however, what truly sets it apart is its unbelievable density. This planet packs about seven and a half times the mass of Earth into a sphere not much bigger than our own, resulting in a density almost as high as lead.
**Senior Editor:** That’s astonishing! How does it compare to other exoplanets in terms of density?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s incredibly dense, even for a super-Earth. Its density of about 11 grams per cubic centimeter puts it among the densest known exoplanets. It’s twice as dense as our Earth and even denser than other high-density worlds like GJ 367b and TOI-1853b.
**Senior Editor:** What do scientists believe caused K2-360 b to become so dense?
**Dr. Carter:** One leading theory is that it was originally a gas giant, but migrated closer to its star over time. The intense radiation from the star then stripped away its gaseous envelope, leaving behind the incredibly dense, rocky core we observe today.
**Senior Editor:** How was this planet discovered, and what instruments were used?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b was first detected in 2016 when it transiting, or passing in front of its star, as observed by NASA’s K2 mission. subsequent observations using ground-based telescopes allowed astronomers to measure its mass and radius, which in turn allowed them to calculate its density.
**Senior Editor:** What other facts about this planet do scientists know,or are hoping to discover?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b orbits its star in just 21 hours, making it an ”ultra-short-period” super-Earth. We know it’s also part of a planetary system with at least one other planet, K2-360 c. Scientists are eager to learn more about the composition of K2-360 b’s core and the dynamics of the planetary system as a whole.
Using observations of the planet and its host star, researchers have created a model of K2-360 b’s interior, revealing a massive iron core comprising roughly 48% of its total mass. This extreme density has left scientists scratching their heads, prompting them to explore unusual formation scenarios.
one leading theory suggests that K2-360 b might be the remnant core of a much larger planet that once resided farther from its star. Over eons, this hypothetical world may have migrated inwards, drawn by the star’s gravity. As it neared its star, the intense radiation would have stripped away its gaseous atmosphere, leaving behind a solid, iron-rich core.
Evidence for this dramatic journey comes from the wobble of the host star. Observations indicate the presence of a second, larger planet, K2-360 c, orbiting farther out. This Neptune-sized world may have played a crucial role in K2-360 b’s inward migration through a process called high-eccentricity migration.
“Our dynamical models indicate that K2-360 c could have pushed the inner planet into its current tight orbit through a process called high-eccentricity migration,” says Alessandro Trani, an astrophysicist at the Niels Bohr Institute. “This involves gravitational interactions that first make the inner planet’s orbit very elliptical, before tidal forces gradually circularize it close to the star. Alternatively, tidal circularization could have been induced by the spin-axial tilt of the planet.”
The discovery of K2-360 b adds to the growing list of bizarre and fascinating exoplanets discovered in recent years.This super-dense world challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, reminding us of the unbelievable diversity that exists beyond our solar system.
The research was published in the journal Scientific reports.
## Unraveling the Mystery of the Lead-Like “Super-Earth”
**Astronomers recently discovered K2-360 b, a planet so dense it rivals the density of lead. This intriguing world raises new questions about planetary formation adn evolution. we spoke with dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist specializing in exoplanet research, about this extraordinary revelation.**
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Carter, could you tell us more about this new planet, K2-360 b? What makes it so unique?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b is classified as a “Super-Earth,” meaning it’s larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.however, what truly sets it apart is its unbelievable density. This planet packs about seven and a half times the mass of Earth into a sphere not much bigger than our own, resulting in a density almost as high as lead.
**Senior Editor:** That’s astonishing! How does it compare to other exoplanets in terms of density?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s incredibly dense, even for a super-Earth. Its density of about 11 grams per cubic centimeter puts it among the densest known exoplanets. It’s twice as dense as our Earth and even denser than other high-density worlds like GJ 367b and TOI-1853b.
**Senior Editor:** What do scientists believe caused K2-360 b to become so dense?
**Dr. Carter:** One leading theory is that it was originally a gas giant, but migrated closer to its star over time. The intense radiation from the star then stripped away its gaseous envelope, leaving behind the incredibly dense, rocky core we observe today.
**Senior Editor:** How was this planet discovered, and what instruments were used?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b was first detected in 2016 when it transiting, or passing in front of its star, as observed by NASA’s K2 mission. subsequent observations using ground-based telescopes allowed astronomers to measure its mass and radius, which in turn allowed them to calculate its density.
**Senior Editor:** What other facts about this planet do scientists know,or are hoping to discover?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b orbits its star in just 21 hours, making it an ”ultra-short-period” super-Earth. We know it’s also part of a planetary system with at least one other planet, K2-360 c. Scientists are eager to learn more about the composition of K2-360 b’s core and the dynamics of the planetary system as a whole.
Astronomers have uncovered a bizarre world unlike anything in our solar system: a super-Earth so dense it’s practically a giant ball of iron. This intriguing planet,designated K2-360 b,orbits a star 1,300 light-years away and boasts a mass nearly five times that of Earth,packed into a sphere only slightly larger.
Using observations of the planet and its host star, researchers have created a model of K2-360 b’s interior, revealing a massive iron core comprising roughly 48% of its total mass. This extreme density has left scientists scratching their heads, prompting them to explore unusual formation scenarios.
one leading theory suggests that K2-360 b might be the remnant core of a much larger planet that once resided farther from its star. Over eons, this hypothetical world may have migrated inwards, drawn by the star’s gravity. As it neared its star, the intense radiation would have stripped away its gaseous atmosphere, leaving behind a solid, iron-rich core.
Evidence for this dramatic journey comes from the wobble of the host star. Observations indicate the presence of a second, larger planet, K2-360 c, orbiting farther out. This Neptune-sized world may have played a crucial role in K2-360 b’s inward migration through a process called high-eccentricity migration.
“Our dynamical models indicate that K2-360 c could have pushed the inner planet into its current tight orbit through a process called high-eccentricity migration,” says Alessandro Trani, an astrophysicist at the Niels Bohr Institute. “This involves gravitational interactions that first make the inner planet’s orbit very elliptical, before tidal forces gradually circularize it close to the star. Alternatively, tidal circularization could have been induced by the spin-axial tilt of the planet.”
The discovery of K2-360 b adds to the growing list of bizarre and fascinating exoplanets discovered in recent years.This super-dense world challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, reminding us of the unbelievable diversity that exists beyond our solar system.
The research was published in the journal Scientific reports.
## Unraveling the Mystery of the Lead-Like “Super-Earth”
**Astronomers recently discovered K2-360 b, a planet so dense it rivals the density of lead. This intriguing world raises new questions about planetary formation adn evolution. we spoke with dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist specializing in exoplanet research, about this extraordinary revelation.**
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Carter, could you tell us more about this new planet, K2-360 b? What makes it so unique?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b is classified as a “Super-Earth,” meaning it’s larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.however, what truly sets it apart is its unbelievable density. This planet packs about seven and a half times the mass of Earth into a sphere not much bigger than our own, resulting in a density almost as high as lead.
**Senior Editor:** That’s astonishing! How does it compare to other exoplanets in terms of density?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s incredibly dense, even for a super-Earth. Its density of about 11 grams per cubic centimeter puts it among the densest known exoplanets. It’s twice as dense as our Earth and even denser than other high-density worlds like GJ 367b and TOI-1853b.
**Senior Editor:** What do scientists believe caused K2-360 b to become so dense?
**Dr. Carter:** One leading theory is that it was originally a gas giant, but migrated closer to its star over time. The intense radiation from the star then stripped away its gaseous envelope, leaving behind the incredibly dense, rocky core we observe today.
**Senior Editor:** How was this planet discovered, and what instruments were used?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b was first detected in 2016 when it transiting, or passing in front of its star, as observed by NASA’s K2 mission. subsequent observations using ground-based telescopes allowed astronomers to measure its mass and radius, which in turn allowed them to calculate its density.
**Senior Editor:** What other facts about this planet do scientists know,or are hoping to discover?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b orbits its star in just 21 hours, making it an ”ultra-short-period” super-Earth. We know it’s also part of a planetary system with at least one other planet, K2-360 c. Scientists are eager to learn more about the composition of K2-360 b’s core and the dynamics of the planetary system as a whole.
Astronomers have uncovered a bizarre world unlike anything in our solar system: a super-Earth so dense it’s practically a giant ball of iron. This intriguing planet,designated K2-360 b,orbits a star 1,300 light-years away and boasts a mass nearly five times that of Earth,packed into a sphere only slightly larger.
Using observations of the planet and its host star, researchers have created a model of K2-360 b’s interior, revealing a massive iron core comprising roughly 48% of its total mass. This extreme density has left scientists scratching their heads, prompting them to explore unusual formation scenarios.
one leading theory suggests that K2-360 b might be the remnant core of a much larger planet that once resided farther from its star. Over eons, this hypothetical world may have migrated inwards, drawn by the star’s gravity. As it neared its star, the intense radiation would have stripped away its gaseous atmosphere, leaving behind a solid, iron-rich core.
Evidence for this dramatic journey comes from the wobble of the host star. Observations indicate the presence of a second, larger planet, K2-360 c, orbiting farther out. This Neptune-sized world may have played a crucial role in K2-360 b’s inward migration through a process called high-eccentricity migration.
“Our dynamical models indicate that K2-360 c could have pushed the inner planet into its current tight orbit through a process called high-eccentricity migration,” says Alessandro Trani, an astrophysicist at the Niels Bohr Institute. “This involves gravitational interactions that first make the inner planet’s orbit very elliptical, before tidal forces gradually circularize it close to the star. Alternatively, tidal circularization could have been induced by the spin-axial tilt of the planet.”
The discovery of K2-360 b adds to the growing list of bizarre and fascinating exoplanets discovered in recent years.This super-dense world challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, reminding us of the unbelievable diversity that exists beyond our solar system.
The research was published in the journal Scientific reports.
## Unraveling the Mystery of the Lead-Like “Super-Earth”
**Astronomers recently discovered K2-360 b, a planet so dense it rivals the density of lead. This intriguing world raises new questions about planetary formation adn evolution. we spoke with dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist specializing in exoplanet research, about this extraordinary revelation.**
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Carter, could you tell us more about this new planet, K2-360 b? What makes it so unique?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b is classified as a “Super-Earth,” meaning it’s larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.however, what truly sets it apart is its unbelievable density. This planet packs about seven and a half times the mass of Earth into a sphere not much bigger than our own, resulting in a density almost as high as lead.
**Senior Editor:** That’s astonishing! How does it compare to other exoplanets in terms of density?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s incredibly dense, even for a super-Earth. Its density of about 11 grams per cubic centimeter puts it among the densest known exoplanets. It’s twice as dense as our Earth and even denser than other high-density worlds like GJ 367b and TOI-1853b.
**Senior Editor:** What do scientists believe caused K2-360 b to become so dense?
**Dr. Carter:** One leading theory is that it was originally a gas giant, but migrated closer to its star over time. The intense radiation from the star then stripped away its gaseous envelope, leaving behind the incredibly dense, rocky core we observe today.
**Senior Editor:** How was this planet discovered, and what instruments were used?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b was first detected in 2016 when it transiting, or passing in front of its star, as observed by NASA’s K2 mission. subsequent observations using ground-based telescopes allowed astronomers to measure its mass and radius, which in turn allowed them to calculate its density.
**Senior Editor:** What other facts about this planet do scientists know,or are hoping to discover?
**Dr. Carter:** K2-360 b orbits its star in just 21 hours, making it an ”ultra-short-period” super-Earth. We know it’s also part of a planetary system with at least one other planet, K2-360 c. Scientists are eager to learn more about the composition of K2-360 b’s core and the dynamics of the planetary system as a whole.