Astronomers detect smallest extrasolar planets yet

Bob Kopp writes "A team of astronomers using Keck Observatory has discovered the smallest extrasolar planets yet: one with 80% of Saturn's mass, orbiting HD46375, and one with 70% of Saturn's mass, orbiting 79 Ceti. These are the first extrasolar planets discovered with masses less than that of Jupiter. Both are, however, quite close to their parent stars; the HD46375 planet has a period of 3 days, while the 79 Ceti planet has a period of 75 days. CNN has coverage. "