Kepler-78b is a fascinating exoplanet, often described as an "ultra-short-period planet." It's known for its incredibly close orbit to its host star, making it one of the hottest exoplanets ever discovered.
Key features of Kepler-78b:
Extremely Short Orbit: Kepler-78b orbits its star in just 8.5 hours, making it one of the fastest-orbiting planets known.
High Temperature: Due to its close proximity to its star, Kepler-78b is incredibly hot, with surface temperatures estimated to be around 2,000 degrees Celsius.
Earth-like Density: Despite its extreme conditions, Kepler-78b has a density similar to Earth, suggesting a rocky composition.
Puzzling Formation: The formation of Kepler-78b remains a mystery. It's unclear how a planet could form so close to its star and survive the intense heat and radiation.
While Kepler-78b is an extreme example of an exoplanet, it provides valuable insights into the diverse range of planetary systems that exist beyond our own solar system.