Space
Astronomers have discovered a “second Earth
Astronomers have discovered a planet almost the same size as Earth orbiting in its star’s habitable zone, where liquid water could exist on its surface, a new study says.
The presence of liquid water also indicates that the planet can support life.
This unknown world (Kepler-1649c) lies 300 light-years from Earth and orbits a star that is about one-fourth the size of our sun.
Interestingly, of all the more than 2,000 exoplanets that have been discovered using Kepler space telescope observations, this exoplanet world is the most similar to Earth in both size and estimated temperature, NASA said.
“This intriguing, distant world gives us even greater hope that a second Earth lies among the stars, waiting to be found,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington DC.
Although NASA has stated that there are other exoplanets that are closer in size to Earth, and others may be closer to Earth in temperature, there is no other exoplanet that is closer to Earth in both of these values that is also in the habitable zone of its star system.
This newly discovered world is only 1.06 times the size of our planet. In addition, the amount of starlight it receives from its parent star is 75% of the amount of light Earth receives from our Sun, which means that the temperature of an exoplanet could also be the same as ours.
But unlike the Earth, it revolves around a red dwarf. This type of star is known for stellar flares that can make a planet’s environment difficult for any potential life.
Scientists discovered the planet while looking at old images from the Kepler Space Telescope, which the agency removed in 2018. Even though NASA’s Kepler mission ended in 2018 due to running out of fuel, scientists continue to make discoveries by studying the information Kepler sent back to Earth.
“The more data we get, the more signs we see that potentially habitable Earth-sized exoplanets are common around these stars,” said study lead author Andrew Vanderburgh, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin.
Scientists at the University of California have discovered a planet
that may bear a resemblance to Earth. However, unlike our planet, this
peaceful planet is covered with fierce volcanoes. News of the discovery
was published in the journal Nature.
The new planet was discovered using the Kepler telescope, which
explores outer space in search of exoplanets. According to scientists,
the planet is in the life zone of its star and may have conditions for
the development of life.
However, the presence of volcanoes on the surface of this planet may
mean that it is not suitable for life. This is due to the fact that
volcanoes can emit gases into the atmosphere, which can be poisonous to
living organisms.
On the other hand, scientists believe that the presence of volcanoes
on this planet may mean there is a magnetic field that protects it from
harmful cosmic rays. This may be one of the factors contributing to the
development of life on this planet.
Although the planet is 110 light years away from Earth, scientists
hope that it could be the subject of future research. However, this will
require new telescopes and more accurate measurement methods.
Interestingly, the search for exoplanets is one of the hottest topics
in modern astronomy. Scientists around the world are looking for
planets that may have conditions for the development of life. Some of
these planets are only a few light years away from Earth.
In addition, there is a theory that life on Earth may have originated
through volcanic activity. Volcanoes may have created the conditions
for the formation of the first organic compounds, which then led to the
emergence of life.
On June 12, 2023, the asteroid 1994 XD, which is over 500 meters in
diameter, will approach Earth. Despite the fact that it will be 3.1
million kilometers away, which is 8 times the average distance to the
Moon, many are asking – can this asteroid become a threat to our planet?
It is worth noting that asteroids, like comets, pose a threat to the
Earth, but the probability of collision with them is very low. In
addition, there are many programs and projects to track space bodies,
which allow you to identify a potential threat in time and take measures
to prevent it.
However, asteroids are also of interest to scientists and space
research. Studying the composition and structure of these bodies can
help scientists better understand the origin of the solar system and the
possibilities for life in space.
For example, asteroids may contain water and other elements necessary
for life, which could be used to build space stations and bases on
other planets. In addition, studying asteroids can help scientists
develop methods to defend against potential threats from space.
The asteroid 1994 XD was discovered in 1994 by the Kitt Peak
Observatory and has not posed a threat to Earth since then. Its close
approach to our planet will be an opportunity to study this cosmic body
in more detail and expand our knowledge of space.
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