- Astronomers have identified an extraordinary exoplanet named GJ 523b, which is being classified as a ‘Mega-Earth’.
- This planet is approximately 2.55 times the size of Earth, and its mass is estimated to be about 23.5 times that of Earth.
- Its average density is around 7.8 grams per cubic centimeter, indicating that it is an extremely dense and likely rocky planet.
- The term ‘Mega-Earth’ is used for large rocky exoplanets that are significantly larger than Earth in size but do not fall into the category of gas giants.
- Typically, criteria for this category include a planetary radius of at least 2.1 Earth radii and a density of 5.5 grams per cubic centimeter or higher.
- GJ 523b meets these standards, which is why scientists are showing particular interest in studying it.
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