COROT's new find orbits Sun-like star

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The lightcurve of the parent star of the newly-found exoplanet COROT-exo-4b. COROT-exo-4b is an exoplanet of about the same size as Jupiter. It takes 9.2 days to orbit its star the longest period for any transiting exoplanet ever found. Credits: CORO ...
The lightcurve of the parent star of the newly-found exoplanet, COROT-exo-4b. COROT-exo-4b is an exoplanet of about the same size as Jupiter. It takes 9.2 days to orbit its star, the longest period for any transiting exoplanet ever found. Credits: COROT exo-team

A team of European scientists working with COROT have discovered an exoplanet orbiting a star slightly more massive than the Sun. After just 555 days in orbit, the mission has now observed more than 50 000 stars and is adding significantly to our knowledge of the fundamental workings of stars.


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All News summaries for July 24, 2008

Deadlines set for designating polar bear habitat

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- The federal government will designate "critical habitat" for polar bears off Alaska's coast, a decision that could add restrictions to future offshore petroleum exploration or drilling.

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3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- A small asteroid was headed for a fiery but harmless dive into Earth's atmosphere early Tuesday morning over Africa, astronomers said in a first of its kind advance warning.

Cassini flyby of Saturn moon offers insight into solar system history

5 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
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NASA study finds rising Arctic storm activity sways sea ice, climate

Oct 06, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
A new NASA study shows that the rising frequency and intensity of arctic storms over the last half century, attributed to progressively warmer waters, directly provoked acceleration of the rate of arctic sea ice drift, long ...

Lichens function as indicators of nitrogen pollution in forests

Oct 06, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
Scientists have found lichens can give insight into nitrogen air pollution effects on Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino mountain ecosystems, and protecting them provides safeguards for less sensitive species.