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Three Neptune-sized Planets Found Nearby

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the cosmic-rodeo dept.

WillAffleckUW writes "CNN reports the discovery of three Neptune-sized planets found in orbit around a sun 41 light years away. The star they orbit is similar to our Sun, and the planetary distribution is probably similar to our Solar System. Recent observations by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope last year revealed that HD 69830 also hosts an asteroid belt, making it the only other sun-like star known to have one. No word on if they have habitable moons, or monoliths yet."

10 of 337 comments (clear)

  1. Let's use some familiar units people! by SeanTobin · · Score: 4, Funny

    For those of you not immediately familiar with exactly what a Neptune-sized object is, it is about 12.645679 sextillion Volkswagens (go ahead, look it up. I have time). Now, as to why they would categorize an object that is 41 light-years away as 'nearby' is another question.

    (Go ahead, tell me the tale of how immensely huge the universe is and how 41 light-years away can only be described as nearby. Then tell me you won't mind helping me move if it's 'nearby')

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    1. Re:Let's use some familiar units people! by lazy_arabica · · Score: 4, Funny
      For those of you not immediately familiar with exactly what a Neptune-sized object is, it is about 12.645679 sextillion Volkswagens
      Very well, but how much is it in Ladas ? ;)
    2. Re:Let's use some familiar units people! by Tsiangkun · · Score: 5, Funny

      If the max speed of the volkswagen is 110mph, and light moves at 670,616,629 mph, and there are 8765.76 hrs/year...
      Wow, that is close, only 243,860,592.36 volkwagen Bug Top Speed years away ! I'll pack my stuff now.

    3. Re:Let's use some familiar units people! by max99ted · · Score: 3, Funny
      Very well, but how much is it in Ladas ? ;)

      Russian or European?

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    4. Re:Let's use some familiar units people! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Your powers of observation are keen: Indeed, 41 light years is not shit.

      The rest of us on Slashdot wish to subscribe to your newsletter, that we may benefit further from your insight.

    5. Re:Let's use some familiar units people! by dubbreak · · Score: 3, Funny

      Very well, but how much is it in Ladas ? ;)

      Do you want that in Nivas, Rivas, Samaras, Okas or Kalinas?

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    6. Re:Let's use some familiar units people! by TimothyJones · · Score: 3, Funny
      Actually knew about us long ago.

      - Netptune-Sized-Planet-Minister-Dude: Oh Great One, the Eartlings have discovered our existance

      - Great One: Earthlings?

      - NSPMD: Yes oh Great One. It's a Mars-size plantet nearby, about 12.64 sextilion Volkswagens away.

      - GO: So, what of it? Big deal. Are they friendly beings?

      - NSPMD: Well Great One that's the problem. We've been spying on them for years, reading their books, watching their moving pictures, and listening to their sounds and rhythms.

      - GO: I see. Oh well, let them bring their angry missiles and soldiers. We'll give them a whooping.

      - NSPMD: It's worse Sir.

      - GO: Worse?

      - NSPMD: Yes Sir

      - GO: How so?

      - NSPMD: According to our calculations, we'll be sued by RIAA within the next 41 years

      - GO: Oh crap

  2. Which planet again? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    I'd be happier if it were three planets the size of Uranus.

    ba-dum-cha. Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week.

  3. Neighbors? by JehCt · · Score: 3, Funny

    There could be sentient being living there. Odds are 50/50 they have more advanced technology than we do. If they can travel at near light speed, they could arrive here 82+ years after we started beaming massive amounts of radio and tv into space, which would be soon. Maybe we should prepare a "reception" for them or something.

    It's only a matter of time until somebody picks up our signals and comes to crash the party.

  4. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 3, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion