UNDERSTANDING OTHER WORLDS
What is a super-Earth?
A convenient label for planets larger than Earth and smaller than Neptune, with no promise of Earth-like conditions.
A broad category
Different studies define the category by mass or radius. This atlas uses radius bands for consistent browsing and states its thresholds in Data & Sources.
Many possible worlds
Some may be predominantly rocky; others may have substantial volatile layers or atmospheres. Mass and radius together provide better clues than size alone.
No Solar System counterpart
Our Solar System contains no planet between Earth and Neptune in size. These discoveries give scientists a useful way to test ideas about how planetary systems form.