Detection of super Earth with water atmosphere

New observations show that a distant planet in the center of the Milky Way is more likely to have an atmosphere filled with water.

Super Earth are planets orbiting a star outside the solar system, with a larger mass and radius than Earth, but smaller than celestial bodies such as Uranus or Neptune.

Compare the size of GJ 1214 b with Earth (left) and Hai Vuong tinh.(Photos: Aldaron, Wikipedia, Creative Commons)

Scientists are still studying their characteristics to determine whether these celestial bodies favor the "Big Earth version" or the "Little King".

The group of Japanese astronomers and planetary scientists has focused on considering the atmospheric characteristics of a super-Earth, named GJ 1214b, located about 40 light-years from Earth, in the center of the Milky Way.

According to Space.com, the announcement from Japan's National Astronomical Observatory, the initial results show that the GJ 1214b planet is more likely to be filled with water.

Scientists say that if they determine the key atmospheric component of a super-Earth, they can deduce the place and history of the planet's formation.