Gliese 581c

Gliese 581c
Size comparison of Gliese 581c with Earth and Neptune
(based on selected hypothetical modeled compositions)[a]
Discovery[1]
Discovered byStéphane Udry et al.
Discovery siteLa Silla Observatory
Discovery date
  • 4 April 2007
  • 24 April 2007 (announced)
Radial velocity
Orbital characteristics[2]
0.0718+0.0008
−0.0009 AU
Eccentricity0.032+0.027
−0.021
12.9211+0.0008
−0.0007 d
Inclination47°+15°
−13°
2454759.2 ± 0.1[3]
16°+61°
−89°
Semi-amplitude3.1±0.1 m/s
StarGliese 581
Physical characteristics[2]
Mass6.81+0.21
−1.16 M🜨

Gliese 581c /ˈɡliːzə/ (Gl 581c or GJ 581c) is an exoplanet orbiting within the Gliese 581 system. It is the second planet discovered in the system and the third in order from the star. With a mass about 6.8 times that of the Earth, it is classified as a super-Earth (a category of planets with masses greater than Earth's up to ten Earth masses).

At the time of its discovery in 2007, Gliese 581c gained interest from astronomers because it was reported to be the first potentially Earth-like planet in the habitable zone of its star, with a temperature right for liquid water on its surface, and, by extension, potentially capable of supporting extremophile forms of Earth-like life. However, further research cast doubt upon the planet's habitability. Based on newer models of the habitable zone, the planet is likely too hot to be potentially habitable.[4][3]

In astronomical terms, the Gliese 581 system is relatively close to Earth, at 20.55 light-years (194 trillion kilometres; 121 trillion miles) in the direction of the constellation of Libra. This distance, along with the declination and right ascension coordinates, give its exact location in the Milky Way.


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  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference udry was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference vonStauffenberg2024 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference robertson2014 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference blo07 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).