NASA’s planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft ended its mission in 2018, but the gift of discovery keeps on giving indefinitely. Astronomers diligently combing through Kepler’s final storehouse of data have uncovered a bountiful haul of over 4,400 candidate exoplanets and 700 multi-planet systems. Among the glimmering gems in this treasure trove is the fascinating Kepler-385 system of seven scorching planets, ceaselessly bombarded by intense stellar radiation.
The Blistering Kepler-385 Planets Under the Blazing Star
Each of the seven exoplanets faithfully orbiting the Kepler-385 star receives markedly higher radiation than any planet in our familiar solar system gets from our relatively placid Sun. All the foreign worlds appear conspicuously bigger than Earth yet smaller than the icy giant Neptune in our home system.
The Kepler-385 planets orbit tight and fast around their brilliant star, which is a bit bigger and hotter than our own steady Sun. The innermost planets, designated b and c, are likely rocky with thin wispy atmospheres reminiscent of Mars. The outer five planets are believed to be double Earth’s size, completely shrouded in extraordinarily thick atmospheres. In addition, you can also read an article on- Two NASA Astronauts Make History During Trailblazing Spacewalk Outside ISS
Kepler’s Enduring Legacy Across the Galaxy
Launched in 2009, the pioneering Kepler mission ended in 2018 after an illustrious 9-year run. But Kepler’s legacy is far from over and will endure for generations. As this discovery shows, the spacecraft’s data remains a goldmine for understanding exoplanets across the Milky Way galaxy.
By refining models of stars and planet orbits with advanced algorithms, astronomers can now carefully tease out multi-planet systems previously hidden in Kepler’s extensive observations. This will enable thoroughly characterizing worlds far beyond our familiar solar system.
Astronomers are extremely thrilled that Kepler’s final catalog may be its most bountiful yet. As mission leader Jack Lissauer eloquently says, “We’ve assembled the most accurate and detailed list of Kepler planet candidates and their properties to date.”
Kepler leaves an enduring, expansive legacy, greatly pushing our knowledge of exoplanets further into the uncharted depths of space. Even years after its end, continued meticulous discoveries from its voluminous trove reveal our galaxy’s true, abundant planetary population.
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