There are 160 billion alien planets in the Milky Way

We know that there are at least 100 billion stars in space. Now scientists say that each has at least one planet around.

The Milky Way// Credit: ESO

Research by astronomers at the Astrophysics Institute of Paris shows that, on average, each star in the Milky Way is orbited by planets 1.6. In other words - there are about 160 billion alien planets (which are outside our solar system) in our galaxy.

This figure is an estimate generated by computer since, officially, we know only about 700 alien planets. Another fact shown by the survey is that most of these stars still unknown structure must have a small and rocky - much like Earth's, with a chance of harboring life.

According to one of the authors of the study, Arnaud Cassan, stars surrounded by one or more planets are the rule rather than the exception. "That is, when looking at the stars, imagine millions and millions of worlds hidden among them," concludes Cassan.

But, speaking of exceptions, while there are several planets orbiting the same star, some recently discovered orbiting two suns at once.

The first, Kepler-16, was quickly dubbed "Tatooine" in reference to the desert planet where Anakin Skywalker was born, which is illuminated by two stars (Star Wars). Since then more than two systems "circumbinários" baptized just as these sets were found.

Source Galileu.