K2-138

K2-138

As the first multi-planet system discovered by citizen scientists, this planetary system around the star K2-138 is remarkable for a number of reasons. In an effort called Zooniverse Exoplanet Explorers, the online exploratory group created to connect volunteers with active research projects, the public found these five planets. Each planet may have a unique composition, ranging from potentially rocky to gaseous. All are notably hot, ranging from 400 to 550 degrees Celsius.

Medium

Watercolor on Paper

Artist

Eva Bod ’20

Curated Resources

K2-138 b, Exoplanet Catalog, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

K2-138 c, Exoplanet Catalog, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

K2-138 d, Exoplanet Catalog, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

K2-138 e, Exoplanet Catalog, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

K2-138 f, Exoplanet Catalog, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

K2-138 b, Eyes on Exoplanets, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

K2-138 c, Eyes on Exoplanets, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

K2-138 d, Eyes on Exoplanets, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

K2-138 e, Eyes on Exoplanets, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

K2-138 f, Eyes on Exoplanets, Exoplanet Exploration, NASA

Jessie Christiansen, Ian Crossfield, Geert Barentsen, Chris Lintott, Thomas Barclay, Brooke Simmons, Erik Petigura, Joshua Schlieder, Courtney Dressing, Andrew Vanderburg, Campbell Allen, Adam McMaster, Grant Miller, Martin Veldthuis, Sarah Allen, Zach Wolfenbarger, Brian Cox, Julia Zemiro, Andrew Howard, John Livingston, Evan Sinukoff, Timothy Catron, Andrew Grey, Joshua Kusch, Ivan Terentev, Martin Vales, & Martti Kristiansen, “The K2-138 System: A Near-resonant Chain of Five Sub-Neptune Planets Discovered by Citizen Scientists”, Astrophysics Journal, Letters, 11 January 2018

“Your Guide to Exoplanets,” The Planetary Society

“The Different Kind of Exoplanets You Meet in the Milky Way,” The Planetary Society

“How to Search for Exoplanets”, The Planetary Society

“What Is the Habitable Zone?,” The Planetary Society