Planetrise
June 27, 2012
In this artist's conception, a "hot Neptune" known as Kepler-36c looms in the sky of its neighbor, the rocky world Kepler-36b. The two planets have repeated close encounters, experiencing a conjunction every 97 days on average. At that time, they are separated by less than 5 Earth-Moon distances. Such close approaches stir up tremendous gravitational tides that squeeze and stretch both planets, which may promote active volcanism on Kepler-36b.
Credit: David A. Aguilar (CfA)
Credit: David A. Aguilar (CfA)
Topics:
Physics, Astrology, Astronomy, Physics, Astrology, Astronomy, Planet, Johannes Kepler, Celestial mechanics, Physics, Astrology, Astronomy, Planet, Johannes Kepler, Celestial mechanics, Environment, Environment, Environment, Environment, Environment, Gravitation, Kepler Mission, Planet, Johannes Kepler, Celestial mechanics, Gravitation, Kepler Mission, Planet, Johannes Kepler, Celestial mechanics, Gravitation, Kepler Mission, Gravitation, Kepler Mission, Planet, Johannes Kepler, Celestial mechanics, Gravitation, Kepler Mission
