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News Release 04-111

Astronomers Find New Class of Planets Outside the Solar System

Two new "Neptunes" are the smallest extra-solar planets yet—but could be the first of many

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Planet at Gliese 436

In this artist's conception, a newly discovered planet the size of Neptune orbits the cool, reddish M-dwarf star Gliese 436

Credit: NASA/G. Bacon


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Planet at 55 Cancri

In this artist's conception, another Neptune-sized planet orbits the yellow, Sun-like star 55 Cancri. Astronomers have already discovered three other planets around this star, all lying further out.

Credit: NASA/G. Bacon


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