Gassy Exoplanet has Earth-like Mass

Astronomers have discovered what they’re saying is the first planet outside our solar system, or exoplanet, with the same mass as Earth. But although its weight is similar to Earth, the planet is 60 percent larger in diameter. KOI-314c, which likely has a thick gaseous atmosphere, orbits a dim red dwarf star and is about 200 light-years away. The astronomers said it circles its star every 23 days and that its temperature is around 220 degrees Fahrenheit, too hot for life as we know...

© La Voix de l'Amérique - mardi 7 janvier 2014