Kepler-36b is an exoplanet orbiting the star Kepler-36.[1] This planet has the closest conjunction to Kepler-36c every 97 days. Its density is similar to that of iron.[2]
| Discovery | |
|---|---|
| Discovery date | 2012 |
Detection method | Transit (Kepler Mission) |
| Orbital characteristics | |
Semi-major axis | 0.1153 AU (17,250,000 km) |
| Eccentricity | <0.04 |
Orbital period (sidereal) | 13.83989 d |
| Inclination | ~90 |
| Star | Kepler-36 (KOI-277) |
| Physical characteristics | |
Mean radius | 1.486 REarth |
| Mass | 4.45 MEarth |
Mean density | 6.8 g/cm3 (0.25 lb/cu in) |
| Temperature | 978±11 K |
During their closest approach, Kepler-36b and Kepler-36c are located only 0.013 AU (about 1,900,000 km) from each other, which causes extreme transit-timing variations for both planets. Transit-timing variations caused by Kepler-36c are strong enough to put narrow constraints on Kepler-36b's mass.[2] The close proximity of the planet to its host star combined with its relatively low mass caused the planet to lose all or most of its primordial hydrogen/helium envelope.[3]
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