Giant mega-Earth is 23 times more massive than Earth
Astronomers have discovered a new giant mega-Earth exoplanet that is a whopping 23 times as massive as Earth, and 2.5 times the size. The post Giant mega-Earth is 23 times more massive than Earth first appeared on EarthSky .
Scientists have confirmed the existence of an unusual planet called GJ 523b, which belongs to a rare group of worlds known as mega-Earths. This planet is 23.5 times more massive than Earth, despite being only about 2.5 times wider. This makes GJ 523b exceedingly dense, a characteristic that scientists are struggling to understand.
Typically, planets this massive would have thick atmospheres of hydrogen and helium, but GJ 523b does not seem to possess such an atmosphere. It is believed to be only 170 million years old, much younger than our own solar system, which is approximately 4.54 billion years old. The planet orbits an orange dwarf star. The unexpected density and lack of atmosphere have left astronomers puzzled about the planet's formation.
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