The discovery of exoplanet K2-415b adds to a series of Earth-like planets. Not because of its composition, but because of the discovery that exoplanet K2-415b’s similarity to Earth can be seen from its size. This is what makes the discovery of the exoplanet steal the attention of scientists to examine it in more depth.
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Take a Peek at the Discovery of Exoplanet K2-415b
An international research team currently conducting a search for transiting exoplanets has managed to find K2-415b. This discovery was identified through data from NASA’s Kepler space telescope. This was revealed through K2’s secondary mission.
Then it also involves a replacement, which is none other than the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. With this support, researchers managed to detect the presence of exoplanets. However, only one transiting planet appears to exist in the system.
However, scientists say that this does not indicate a single system. The existence of exoplanets in the system can be limited when carrying out photometric monitoring. In addition, it also uses continuous radial velocity observations.
Characteristic K2-415b
As we mentioned above, K2-415b includes the discovery of an Earth-like exoplanet. This is because it has the size of the Earth. In fact, it is only 72 light years away from us.
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In its discovery, K2-415b appears to orbit the nearest red dwarf star, namely K2-415. This star system is somewhat unique. The reason is, K2-415 is one of the coolest stars with the lowest mass that has exoplanets.
Due to its characteristics, this exoplanet is not in the habitable zone of its star. This is revealed when looking at the distance from the star.
K2-415b is indeed very close to its star. If we compare it with Earth time, it only takes 4 days for a full orbit.
Research Objectives K2-415b
Research on the discovery of exoplanet K2-415b by scientists is not without reason. By investigating this exoplanet, it is hoped that scientists can understand and clarify the formation of this planet. Is the formation and revolution like that of planets around sun-type stars or different.
Furthermore, researchers also hope to determine the mass and internal structure of K2-415b. In an effort to study it, scientists also want to understand the orbit to the overall system architecture.
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Basically, research as well as the discovery of planets can add to our insights in studying outer space. We cannot deny that outer space is vast. Within that broad scope, there are various forms of objects for scientists to identify.
In this identification, it is not impossible to find habitable planets. In this regard, so far Mars has been predicted to be able to replace Earth as a support for human life. But in fact this assumption has not found a bright spot.
Until now, the Red Planet is still worrying and dangerous for humans to live on. Likewise with the findings of other planets that are also not included in the habitable zone category. After the discovery of exoplanet K2-415b, it is hoped that there will be more new findings from scientists. (R10/HR-Online)
This post was last modified on Februari 16, 2023 10:49 PM
