Exoplanet Types

Gas Giants are massive planets similar in size to Saturn and Jupiter, the largest planets in our solar system, or even significantly larger. They are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, resulting in thick atmospheres that can exhibit a range of fascinating weather patterns.

Within this broad category, we find a variety of subtypes. Hot Jupiters, for example, are gas giants that orbit very close to their stars, leading to scorching temperatures that can reach thousands of degrees (Fahrenheit or Celsius). They were among the first types of exoplanets discovered, revealing how diverse planetary systems can be.

Neptunian Planets are comparable in size to Neptune or Uranus, characterized by a mix of internal compositions. These planets typically feature hydrogen and helium-dominated atmospheres and rocky cores. Additionally, we are uncovering mini-Neptunes, which fall between the sizes of Earth and Neptune. This size class has no equivalent in our own solar system, showcasing the range of planetary formation possibilities.

Super-Earths are terrestrial planets that are more massive than Earth but lighter than Neptune. These planets may or may not possess atmospheres and are of particular interest in the search for potentially habitable worlds.

Terrestrial Planets are smaller than Earth and primarily composed of rock, silicates, water, or carbon. Ongoing research aims to determine whether any of these planets harbor atmospheres, oceans, or other signs that could indicate habitability, making them a focal point in our exploration of other worlds.