That's no moon

January 31, 2024 12:03 PM

Yes, it is! No, it isn't!

Until scientists get more data from James Webb, or future missions such as ESA’s PLATO launch, it’s all down to what they can do with the existing numbers.

I found early hints back to at least 2013. Definitive evidence remain elusive. From the main link:

Kerins points out that Kipping and his team have been very measured in their announcements. “They're very, very careful to not claim it as a cast-iron detection. They've done comprehensive testing of the data they've been given, and really I think the difference here is all about what physics you put in, how you process the data, and ultimately the fact that the Kepler data set is really on the edge of finding exomoons.”

Heller, though, remains unconvinced. “My impression is that in the Kepler data, we and also other teams have done what's currently possible and there's no compelling object that really sticks out.”

....

Moons far outnumber planets in our own Solar System—two hundred and ninety to eight to date

Bringing it back home. Will there be a big celebration when we discover moon #300? Will USA astronomers try to line it up with July 4, 2026 celebrations?

And finally, here's PLATO @ Wikipedia — Anyone know a good list with all the current/upcoming missions which could play a role in confirming the first exomoon?

posted by johnabbe (7 comments total)

If there's ever a symposium on this and someone doesn't streak across the podium shouting, "this is a real moon," I will lose my respect for scientists.


But seriously, science is amazing and I love all the work going into these discoveries, however they end up being classified.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 12:21 PM on January 31 [2 favorites]

That's no moon...
posted by kjs3 at 12:53 PM on January 31

Am I the only one who had to do a double take?
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 1:09 PM on January 31 [3 favorites]

"These aren't the droids you're looking for."
posted by clavdivs at 1:48 PM on January 31

I'm waiting for a post like "That Snow Moon" ("...you're waiting for is coming in February. It's also known as the micromoon...")
posted by pracowity at 2:27 PM on January 31 [3 favorites]

Am I the only one who had to do a double take?

The title so good, they named it twice!
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:14 PM on January 31 [3 favorites]

Trying to start a trend. Also see.
posted by johnabbe at 7:57 AM on February 1 [1 favorite]