New planet displays exotic orbit

[steven johnson]

Here's an anomalous orbital system in a distant planetary system.

Astronomers have discovered the first planet that orbits in the opposite direction to the spin of its star.

Planets form out of the same swirling gas cloud that creates a star, so they are expected to orbit in the same direction that the star rotates.

The new planet is thought to have been flung into its "retrograde" orbit by a close encounter with either another planet or with a passing star.

The direction of orbit is known for roughly a dozen exoplanets (planets outside our solar system). This is the only example with a retrograde orbit. All others are prograde; they orbit in the same direction as the spin of their star.


New planet displays exotic orbit

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. This is so cool

thanks

[Towlie]

2. That picture is fake.

Good wallpaper though.

[steven johnson]

3. OK, you caught me, copper! I lifted it from google images. You'll never take me alive!

[Indenturedebtor]

4. THIS IS A SCIENCE FORUM

Dammit man!

The correct term is "Coppa"!!!!!!!!!!!1111111111111111111111111!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1