Summary Astronomers have found the smallest planet yet outside of our solar system.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Astronomers have found the smallest planet yet outside of our solar system. It s about the size of our moon.
The planet was detected using the U.S. space agency s Kepler telescope, launched in 2009 to hunt for Earth-like planets.
Despite the buzz, the newfound planet is too hot to support life. Scientists estimate its surface temperature is a sizzling 700 degrees Fahrenheit (371 Celsius). It also lacks an atmosphere and water on the surface.
The discovery is detailed in Thursday s issue of the journal Nature.
Scientists are still searching for a planet the size of Earth in the so-called Goldilocks zone the not-too-hot, not-too-cold place where water could exist on the surface.
