FOX News: Smallest planet yet found outside solar system

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Smallest planet yet found outside solar system Feb 20th 2013, 19:00 Published February 20, 2013 Associated Press An artist rendering of the newfound planet known as Kepler-37b. The planet is about the size of our moon and is the smallest known exoplanet, according to a new study.AP Photo/NASA/Ames/JPL-Caltech 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. Related Stories Future science: Using 3D worlds to visualize data Meet the new voice (and face. And body) of 'Tomb Raider' Lara Croft

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