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Extrasolar Planets
47 Ursae Majoris
Close-up: 47 UMa

Extrasolar Overview


Star System Identities:
HD 95128, HIP 53721, HR 4277, Gliese 407, SAO 43557, BD +41° 2147, MSDB 1843.

Planet "b"
This planet is at least 2.41 times the mass of Jupiter. Its year is 1,095 days (3.0 years)

Planet "c"
The outer planet is at least 0.76 times the mass of Jupiter. Its year is 2,594 days (7.11 years).

New Earth?
How likely is it that we'll find an Earth-like world in the 47 UMa system? Several factors are in its favor. Both of the known gas giant worlds are outside the eco-zone, and their orbits are very circular. The star system is mature — more than 4 billion years older than our own. Also, the star, and by inference its planets, are metal rich — very similar to the iron content of our own sun. And the eco-zone is far outside the tidal braking danger zone.

Based on these facts, it would seem that 47 Ursae Majoris is a good prospect for finding a "new Earth." However, the relatively short distance of a planet more than twice the mass of Jupiter from the eco-zone is troubling. Notice the vast distance between Jupiter and Mars in our own planetary system. Some think that the mass of Jupiter prevented the formation of a planet between there and Mars. The asteroid belt exists where a planet might otherwise have been. It is quite possible that planet "b" also interfered with the formation of any Earth-like world.