Astrophysics (Index)About

comet planet

(planet with some characteristics of a comet)

The loose term comet planet has been used for bodies with some characteristics of a comet and others of a planet. Examples are extra-solar planets that show a tail, and/or that have eccentric comet-like orbits, yet appear to be rocky or possibly to have a rocky core as would a planet. An example is Gliese 436 b which appears to show a tail, which is evidence for atmospheric escape.


(planet type)
Further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliese_436_b
https://astrobites.org/2013/12/12/planet-or-comet/
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012A%26A...545L...5B/abstract

Referenced by page:
planet type

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