The planets located in our own solar system are by far the most well-known planets for the majority of people.  Yet, as you might guess, there are many planets located outside of our own solar system.  These planets are known as extrasolar planets, or exoplanets.  While you might think there are thousands of known exoplanets, scientists have only identified around 650 of them to date.  Here are 5 of the more notable planets located outside our own solar system:

1. 91 Aquarii b

Reason it is notable:  It has 5 suns

The exoplanet 91 Aquarii b

2.  Gliese 876 b

Reason it is notable:  It is a gas giant (like Jupiter) that may be habitable – not habitable by humans, but conditions exist that may allow the existence of water and potentially other lifeforms.

Gliese 876 b - A planet located outside our solar system

3. COROT-7b

Reason it is notable:  It is a “Super-Earth” that is completely coated in lava.

Extrasolar Planet COROT-7b

4.  Gliese 581 d 

Reason it is notable:  This is considered an exoplanet that is the closest to resemble our own – it shares many of the characteristics that make our planet habitable by us.  It is possible that this planet has water and even life, life that may share many similarities to the life on Earth.

Exoplanet Gliese 581 d

5.  HD 209458 b

Reason it is notable:  We have been able to identify the composition of the atmosphere of this exoplanet, a rare feat.

HD 209458 b - One of many exoplanets

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