- Astronomers have discovered a new exoplanet
- They believe it could theoretically host life
US National Aeronautics and Space Administration reportsthat it has discovered a new exoplanet that is at such a distance from its star that it could have flowing water, which would make it habitable.
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Discovery of an Earth-like planet
Named TOI-715 b, the planet is located relatively close to Earth in cosmic terms – just 137 light-years. NASA discovered it thanks to its TESS satellite, called the “exoplanet hunter”, whose task is to search for new planets orbiting stars other than our Sun.
TOI-715 b is a super-Earth, meaning it is larger than our planet but smaller than gas giants like Jupiter. In space, it orbits a red dwarf, a type of star smaller and cooler than the Sun.
According to scientists, the planet is located in the habitable zone. That means it orbits at a distance from its parent star where liquid water—a vital component of life as we know it on Earth—could form bodies of water on the planet’s surface. So this zone is a region far enough from its star that it’s not too hot, but close enough that it’s not too cold.
It could be suitable for life
However, the habitable zone is not a guarantee of life. Many other factors such as the atmosphere, geology, and history of the planet also play a role in determining whether a planet can support life.
It is not yet clear whether the exoplanet actually has an atmosphere. It also appears to be tidally locked, meaning that one side of it is always facing the star, while the opposite side is always night.
Like our Moon, it is divided into the far side and the far side. On one of them eternal day reigns, while the other is forever in darkness. If TOI-715 b hosts life, then only on its day side facing the red dwarf. The exoplanet completes one orbit around the star every 19 days.
Astronomers will continue to study the star and its unusual exoplanet. Among other things, they will use the James Webb space telescope for this.
Preview photo source: NASA, source: Interesting Engineering, NASA
2024-02-01 11:14:10
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