A Planetary Cannonball: Meet K2-360 b, the Densest Super-Earth
We love discovering new planets, and astronomers have just unveiled one that’s unlike anything we’ve seen before: K2-360 b. This Super-Earth boasts a density rivaling that of lead, making it the densest known planet in its class – ultra-short-period Super-Earths, orbiting its star in a blistering 21-hour year.
The Making of a Lead-Like Planet
K2-360 b was discovered in 2016 by NASA’s K2 mission, when its shadow briefly crossed its host star. Now, thanks to detailed observations, scientists have calculated its mass and radius, revealing its astonishing density of 11 grams per cubic centimeter.
To understand how this planetary behemoth formed, a team of researchers built a model of K2-360 b’s interior. Their findings suggest the planet is likely the remnant core of a gas giant that once danced further from its star. Over time, the intense radiation stripped away its atmosphere, leaving behind this dense, rocky core, possibly covered in oceans of molten lava.
A Dynamic System
K2-360 b isn’t alone. Lurking further out in the system is a much larger planet, K2-360 c, resembling Neptune in size and density. Astronomers believe that K2-360 c, through gravitational interactions, may have nudged the inner planet into its incredibly close orbit, a process known as high-eccentricity migration.
Plenty More to Explore
This incredible discovery shines a light on the diverse and often bizarre nature of planetary systems beyond our own. K2-360 b and its enigmatic companion continue to spark curiosity and fuel the ongoing search for new worlds, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of planet formation and evolution.
What do you think? How do you imagine life surviving on a lead-dense world like K2-360 b? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
