COROT-7b

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Size comparison of COROT-7b with Earth and Neptune

COROT-7b is an exoplanet that orbits the star COROT-7 in the constellation Monoceros, 489 light years from Earth.

It was first detected by the French-led COROT mission and reported in 2009.[1] Until the announcement of Kepler-10b in January 2011, it was the smallest exoplanet to have its diameter measured, at 1.58 times that of the Earth which would give it a volume 3.95 times Earth's. It was the first potential extrasolar terrestrial planet to be found. The planet is also notable for its very short orbital period: it revolves around its host star in about 20 hours.

References[change | change source]

  1. "COROT discovers smallest exoplanet yet, with a surface to walk on". European Space Agency. February 3, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-04.