Astronomers have discovered traces of water on outer planets. It turns out that there are traces of water found on outer planets and the results of this research were published in the journal Nature on May 10. This surprising discovery adds interesting facts about the extraordinarily vast universe.
Discovery of Water Tracks on Outer Planets GJ 1214b
It’s no secret that water is very easy to find on planet Earth. But did you know that it turns out that water also exists on other planets.
The planet in question is GJ 1214b. Basically, GJ 1214b is an exoplanet orbiting the star GJ 1214. This planet has the full name Gliese 1214 b.
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On this planet, scientists discovered that the atmosphere is made of steam. Because of this, scientists suspect that this past exoplanet may have had abundant water.
This suspicion is getting stronger after examining the temperature of the planet. From research conducted by scientists, it was revealed that this planet has a temperature that can change dramatically.
During the day, the heat can reach 535 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile at night, the temperature can cool down to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
This very marked change in temperature shows that the composition of the planet’s atmosphere does not only contain light hydrogen molecules. Scientists indicate that the atmosphere also contains methane or water.
Teknologi James Webb Space Telescope
From the discovery of traces of water that scientists have made, not a few have wondered whether planet GJ 1214b can live on, especially humans. Related to this, it is very likely that this planet is not habitable when considering its extreme temperatures.
Not only that, but also the reason for the loss of water on the planet. If there used to be water on planet GJ 1214b, where did it go to make it what it is today?
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Not much has been revealed about GJ 1214b. Nevertheless, the observations that scientists are making at this time have shed light on the planet’s information.
Speaking of observations, scientists make use of infrared the one on the James Webb Space Telescope. With this technology, researchers can map the temperature of the planet as it crosses orbit, reveal the planet’s composition, and capture information during the day and night.
GJ Interesting Facts 1214b
Even though scientists haven’t managed to uncover many facts about GJ 1214b, you shouldn’t miss any interesting information. One of the interesting facts is its size.
This planet is a super-Earth planet because it has a size of 2.7 Earth diameters. Its mass is also almost 7 times the mass of planet Earth.
Read Also: Life Outside Planet Earth Is Hard to Find, Here’s the Explanation!
In addition, GJ 1214b is also known as a mini-Neptune planet. Regardless of this, the discovery of traces of water on this outer planet still requires further research from scientists. (R10/HR-Online)
2023-05-17 15:09:12
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