The Kepler space observatory has been studying a section of the Milky Way galaxy for the past 6 years in an effort to find exoplanets (planets outside of our own solar system). While the mission is primarily focused on finding Earth-size exoplanets, Kepler has stumbled upon a few other planets that have very strange characteristics. In the past few decades, many other observatories that have been peering into space to discover alien planets. Here are 6 of the most bizarre planets outside of our solar system discovered so far!
1) Kepler-16b (Planet Orbiting 2 Stars)
Astronomers believe that this Saturn-sized planet is made of mostly gas, rock and ice. It's probably too cold to support life, but the fact that it orbits 2 stars makes up for that. Check out the view of the small, cold planet in this artists rendition below.
Bonus fact: A planet orbiting two stars is called a circumbinary planet! Or if you're a Star Wars fan, it is called a "Tatooine-like" planet.
2) Kepler 438b (Planet Orbiting A Nebula)
While this planet orbits a star that has formed a planetary nebula, it may be one of the most Earth-like planets ever found. Kepler 438b is only a little larger than earth, likely has a rocky composition, and is in the "Goldilocks" zone where the temperature is warm enough to support liquid water on the surface. One problem: It is 470 light years away.
3) WASP-12b (Hottest Planet)
While Earth takes 365 days to orbit the Sun, this planet takes only about 1 day to orbit it's star because the distance between the planet and the star is so small. Scientists believe that the planet only has about 10 million years left in it's life because it is being "consumed" by its star.
4) Kepler-10c (Mega-Earth)
At 2.3 times the size of Earth, scientists believe that Kepler-10c is a rocky planet with a thin atmosphere. Usually planets this large are comprised of gas, however this unique planet stands out as potentially habitable planet.
5) Pulsar PSR J1719-1438 Planet (Diamond Planet)
Because of the super-high pressures caused by the nearby pulsar, this planet's carbon crystallizes to form a massive diamond. The planet is shown below in the dotted elliptical orbit around the pulsar.
6) Kepler-10b (Smallest Planet)
The artist rendition below shows Kepler-10b, one of the smallest planets discovered so far from the Kepler mission.
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