Beyond the Dome: Astronomers discover new planets

By: Sydney Umstead, News Editor

Astronomers have discovered new planets in the Milky Way Galaxy. This discovery could help us understand how planets form, especially in relation to the planets between Earth and Neptune. 

The Washington Post reported on Nov. 29 that the new discovery includes “a six-pack of planets, formed at least 4 billion years ago and [is] remarkably unchanged.” The newfound planets are also said to orbit a “sun-like star.” 

Studying these planets firsthand may pose a challenge, as experts note that the environmental features are “hot, gassy and unlikely to be pleasant places to visit.” Due to the difficulties of the planet’s climate, they do not fall within the habitable zone. This means that liquid is most likely unable to thrive within these conditions. The Washington Post stated that despite the exciting discovery, “The hunt for Earth 2.0 goes on.”

The orbits of these planets function with a rarity not typically seen in the solar system. It was stated, “One planet, for example, will make precisely three orbits while an adjacent planet makes two.” 

As the planets have not seen any impact to change their orbit, they “quickly found their resonant orbits” and nothing changed after the fact. 

The report of these planets was completed by 150 scientists, and the description details “the planetary system of HD 110067, a star in our galaxy.”