Houston: In a groundbreaking revelation, NASA has identified a potential “super-Earth,” a celestial body situated at a distance of 137 light-years from our own planet. The announcement, made through an official press release, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for habitable exoplanets.
Termed TOI-715 b, this newfound planet is approximately 1.5 times the width of Earth and occupies a position within the “conservative” habitable zone surrounding its host star. NASA’s findings suggest that this zone makes it conducive for the existence of liquid water on the planetary surface. Notably, TOI-715 b completes a full orbit, equivalent to a year, in a mere 19 days.
“While various factors need alignment for surface water to be present, such as possessing a suitable atmosphere, the planet’s location within the conservative habitable zone enhances the likelihood, based on preliminary measurements. The smaller neighboring planet, potentially slightly larger than Earth, also resides within this habitable zone,” NASA elaborated.
The newly discovered planet orbits a red dwarf, a star type smaller and cooler than our Sun. Numerous such red dwarfs are recognized for hosting “small, rocky worlds.” Given the smaller and cooler nature of red dwarfs, planets in proximity can maintain safe orbits within the star’s habitable zone, despite their closer proximity.
“These planets, with their tighter orbits, offer more frequent crossings in front of their stars when observed by our space telescopes. This phenomenon facilitates enhanced opportunities for detailed observation,” NASA added.
The detection of TOI-715 b was made possible by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which is adept at identifying planets with shorter orbital periods. NASA plans to conduct a comprehensive examination of the planet using the James Webb telescope, with a focus on understanding its unique properties.
“The scrutiny will hinge on various factors, including the planet’s mass and potential classification as a ‘water world.’ The latter scenario would render its atmosphere more conspicuous and relatively easier to detect, setting it apart from denser worlds with lower-profile atmospheres closer to the surface,” stated NASA in the press release.
The discovery of TOI-715 b opens up new avenues for researchers as they delve into the intricacies of exoplanetary exploration, offering hope in the ongoing search for planets with conditions conducive to life.
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