In a groundbreaking discovery, NASA scientists have found a ‘super-Earth’, a planet where life could potentially exist. This planet, called TOI-715 b, is 137 light-years away and about one and a half times the diameter of Earth. It orbits its host star in the conservative habitable zone, which could “give the planet the right temperature to form liquid water on its surface.” NASA reported.
TOI-715 b is a planet discovered by NASA. (OUR)
NASA also added in its report: “Several other factors would have to align, of course, for surface water to be present, especially when a suitable atmosphere exists. But the conservative habitable zone—a narrower and potentially more robust definition than the broader ‘optimistic’ habitable zone— puts it in the first place, at least according to the rough measurements so far. The minor planet could be just a little bigger than Earth and also live inside the conservative habitable zone.” (Also Read: NASA shares mesmerizing images of ‘galactic romance’)
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The parent star of TOI-715 b is a red dwarf, which is smaller and cooler than the Sun. They are currently the most promising option for discovering habitable worlds. Compared to planets orbiting stars like the Sun, red dwarfs are smaller and cooler, allowing the planets to squeeze closer while staying safely within the star’s habitable zone. (Also Read: NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope Finds Water Vapor In Exoplanet 97 Light Years From Earth)
According to NASA, “the narrower orbits also mean that those that cross the faces of their stars—that is, as seen by our space telescopes—cross much more often. In the case of planet b, that’s once every 19 days, a year ‘on this strange world .”
Planet TOI-175 b has been added to the list of habitable zone planets that the Webb telescope could take a closer look at, perhaps even looking for hints of an atmosphere. A lot will depend on other characteristics of the planet.
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Source: newstars.edu.vn