Question 1

True or false: Temperatures on GJ 1214 b likely exceed 200°C due to its proximity to its star.

Accepted Answer

True. Being so close to a red dwarf, its equilibrium temperature is estimated around 200-280°C, too hot for liquid water on the surface.

Question 2

True or false: GJ 1214 b is often called a 'water world' because it might be mostly ocean.

Accepted Answer

True. Its low density and size suggest it could be composed largely of water, with a deep global ocean under a steam atmosphere.

Question 3

True or false: GJ 1214 b is one of the few known exoplanets with a confirmed solid surface.

Accepted Answer

False. Its low density indicates it likely lacks a solid surface, possibly being a water world or mini-Neptune with a thick atmosphere.

Question 4

True or false: The planet’s atmosphere may be rich in water vapor, making it appear hazy or steamy.

Accepted Answer

True. Observations suggest a high-altitude haze or steam layer, possibly due to water vapor, which obscures deeper atmospheric features.

Question 5

True or false: This exoplanet orbits a Sun-like star at a distance similar to Earth’s.

Accepted Answer

False. GJ 1214 b orbits a red dwarf star, not a Sun-like star, and is much closer to its star than Mercury is to our Sun.

Question 6

True or false: GJ 1214 b was discovered using the radial velocity method alone.

Accepted Answer

False. It was discovered via the transit method, where its host star dims periodically as the planet passes in front.

Question 7

True or false: GJ 1214 b is larger than Jupiter but less dense than Saturn.

Accepted Answer

False. It’s about 2.7 times Earth’s radius and 6.5 times its mass—much smaller than Jupiter, and denser than gas giants.

Question 8

True or false: GJ 1214 b completes one orbit around its star in just over 38 hours.

Accepted Answer

True. This 'super-Earth' has an extremely short orbital period of about 1.58 days, placing it very close to its host star.

GJ 1214 b Trivia Questions