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Nearby Star May Have More Planets Than Our Solar System

Posted by Unknown on from the told-you-space-lizards-were-real dept.

The Bad Astronomer writes "HD 10180 is a near-twin of the Sun about 130 light years away. It's known to have at least six planets orbiting it, but a new analysis of the data shows clear indications of three more, for a total of nine! This means HD 10180 has more planets than our solar system. And whether you think Pluto is a planet or not, all nine of these aliens worlds have masses larger than Earth's, putting them firmly in the 'planet' category."

6 of 102 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Yes, but... by pushing-robot · · Score: 3, Funny

    Researchers claim that the increased number of planets makes this star far more interesting than its companion, HD 7120.

    However, it takes sophisticated equipment to detect the additional planets; most amateur astronomers can't see the difference with their smaller telescopes.

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  2. So it's finally come down to this... by mwvdlee · · Score: 3, Funny

    Planet envy

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  3. Re:Yes, but... by mwvdlee · · Score: 4, Funny

    HD 1080i has only half the planets of HD 10180, it just looks the same as it's an interlacing solar system.

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  4. Re:Yes, but... by Penguinisto · · Score: 4, Funny

    So, how many of you saw HD 1080i

    Sorry, my telescope only does 720p.

    I'll have enough saved to upgrade in a month or two, though.

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  5. Nibiru to the rescue! by Trails · · Score: 3, Funny

    Yeah but when nibiru comes back around, we'll be up a planet and then who'll be laughing?

  6. Re:mass? by ColdWetDog · · Score: 4, Funny

    Not really; as far as we can tell Pluto is roughly spherical, and has sufficient mass to reach hydrostatic equilibrium.

    So are my neighbors. In addition they've cleared a debris field that encompasses 'the neighborhood' (McDonald's, KFC, Wendy's and both grocery stores).

    Should i report them to the IAU?

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