(via Scientific American)

Alpha Centauri Bb, a terrestrial-type planet of at least 1.13 Earth-masses in a 3.2357 day orbit around the K1 star of 0.934 solar masses, has just been discovered. I think i will call it Ravanastron. At 0.04 AU (my calculations give 0.041850045), the surface temperature is estimated to be 870 degrees Celsius--or, elsewhere, 1200-1500K. A veritable "lava world." (Curiously, there's already a petition to rename it "something more inspiring.") BTW, the orange star from Bb would appear 22 times larger than the Sun does from Earth.

Science fiction has not neglected this star. From time to time i look at it & dream, most recently as the planet Boaz... Perhaps the movie Avatar has defined it for the present generation, although for my money Alpha Centauri or Die! has got to be the most evocative title. Tangerine Dream did an album by that name, too. Meanwhile the old videogame is still remembered.

(via PHL)

      the road is in my blood
      though it lead but through
      the lees of some harsh flood

      the road is in my blood
      with versts made wud
      wheels jarred out of true

      the road is in my blood
      though it lead but through

Reflections on Centauri B b. Also, melting points of some minerals for comparison.
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This world is now known as Albertus Alauda. (5/13)

Labels: exoplanets