In a revolutionary find, experts have discovered a planet the size of Earth. That may be able to support life as we know it. Called Gliese 12 b, this exoplanet is situated approximately 40 light years away from us and has a mass nearly equal to Venus. But slightly smaller than our own. The surface temperature on this world orbiting a star one-quarter the size of ours (Gliese 12), around which it completes one revolution every 12.8 days, is estimated at around 42 degrees Celsius – making it an excellent candidate for hosting living organisms.
Around Planet a Dim Star
The Gliese 12 b orbits around Gliese 12, which has been approximated to be about twenty-seven percent less massive than our sun. Scientists have yet to determine whether or not this planet possesses an atmosphere; however, they believe that given its proximity and the average distance from its host star, coupled with the fact that Gliese’s stellar irradiance could allow liquid water to exist, there should be possible conditions suitable for life on its surface. This finding opens up exciting prospects about what might lie beneath those distant skies!
Planet Study Details
The University of Southern Queensland’s research provides insight into potential habitability zones for planets like GJ1214b as well as other aspects surrounding these newfound worlds’ abilities to foster life. According to their results published recently in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, such planetary bodies must boast temperatures conducive to water-based chemistry while also having enough atmospheric pressure capable of keeping any essential molecules intact over long periods so scientists can detect them from afar using telescopes such as James Webb Space Telescope currently under development by NASA.
Detection & Observation
NASA’s TESS was used during the discovery phase. While JWST will be employed for further examination purposes concerning this newly found celestial object. TESS looks outwards, hoping to catch dips caused. When stars dim due to transit objects passing in front of them. While JWST searches for signs of life within atmospheres other planets. Luckily, our dear Gliese 12b was found through NASA’s TESS, which monitors starlight. Whenever it notices any decrease in brightness. That could be caused by an object crossing in front of its source. Then this information is relayed to the ground. Where we can tell whether or not such event occurred due to a planet transiting across.
A Hopeful Discovery
This discovery has given hope to many who were beginning to feel pessimistic. About finding living beings beyond Earth´s atmosphere. They now have reason again to believe another civilization might exist somewhere out there waiting for us to discover them, too. Scientists are very interested in Gliese 12 b because it represents one best chances yet known exoplanets harboring life. We know it could exist around other stars than the Sun like ours does. But this time closer home, so speak!
