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Written by staff

Tuesday, 14 June 2005

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A new extrasolar planet has been discovered orbiting the star Gliese 876. While some 150 extrasolar planets are known to exist, this one is thought to be the most Earth-like in mass and composition, being only 7.5 times mores massive than the Earth, and possibly rocky, according to a UC Berkeley release. Previously discovered planets have been 15 times as massive as Earth, or more.

The surface temperature is thought to be between 200 and 400 degrees Celsius, however.

ice volcano

Scientists studying data sent back by Cassini-Huygens believe they may have found a cryovolcano on the surface of Titan-a volcano that spews a methane-water ice mixture.

Infrared images show a circular feature roughly 19 miles across that resembles a caldera. If it is, in fact, a cryovolcano, then it may be responsible for replenishing the methane in the Titanic atmosphere, according to a recent NASA release.

SuitSat

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station project has a new idea for a satellite -cram a bunch of equipment into a surplus Russian Orlan spacesuit, and then lob it out the door of the ISS.

As has been pointed out often in this column, we are not kidding.

Equipment would include amateur radio gear, possibly a camera in the helmet, and a CD of artwork from schoolchildren, according to the National Association for Amateur Radio.

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