Waterworld? Japanese Astronomers Believe GJ 1214 Could Be “Super Earth” Saturated With Water

GJ 1214 b is a planet that is getting a great deal of attention this month after Japanese astronomers found evidence that the planet (some 40 light years away) could be a “super Earth” with a thick, steamy water-rich atmosphere.

The planet is located in the center of the Milky Way and appears to have a thick atmosphere. The Japanese believe that atmosphere is water vapor. With a 38 hour orbit around a red-dwarf sun, it is 2.6 times Earth’s diameter and weighs almost seven times that of Earth.

You might not want to pack your swimsuit just yet (or at least bring a lot of sun block). Given its proximity to the run, it is believed to have a temperature of 230 degrees Celsius or 446 degrees Fahrenheit.

So much for visions of the planet Kamino.

Source: Daily Mirror