Astronomers have recently made a groundbreaking discovery of an exoplanet 40 light-years away, Gliese 12 b, which exhibits Earth-like characteristics and potential for habitability. The exoplanet Gliese 12 b was the subject of a study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Gliese 12 b, which orbits its host star every 12.8 days, is approximately the size of Venus, slightly smaller than Earth, and has an estimated surface temperature of 42°C (107°F). This temperature is lower than the majority of the 5,000 confirmed exoplanets. However, it is important to note that this estimation assumes the absence of an atmosphere, which is a crucial factor in determining the planet’s habitability.

The presence of an Earth-like atmosphere on Gliese 12 b could significantly impact its potential to sustain liquid water and potentially support life. Understanding the composition of its atmosphere is vital in unraveling the mysteries of planetary evolution and habitability, shedding light on the divergent paths taken by Earth and Venus.

Gliese 12 b’s proximity to Earth and its status as one of the few Earth-like exoplanets make it an ideal candidate for further investigation. The potential for future exploration using the James Webb Space Telescope highlights the significance of this discovery in advancing our understanding of exoplanetary systems.

The discovery of Gliese 12 b also presents an opportunity to explore the habitability of Earth-sized planets orbiting cool stars, providing valuable insights into the potential for life beyond our solar system. The research team’s findings, supported by observations from NASA‘s TESS and CHEOPS, offer a promising avenue for studying the retention of atmospheres on Earth-like planets, furthering our understanding of habitable conditions across the galaxy.

In conclusion, the discovery of Gliese 12 b represents a significant milestone in exoplanetary research. It offers a glimpse into the potential habitability of distant worlds and paves the way for future exploration and scientific inquiry.

References

• Dholakia, S., Palethorpe, L., Venner, A., Mortier, A., Wilson, T. G., Huang, C. X., Rice, K., Van Eylen, V., Nabbie, E., Cloutier, R., Boschin, W., Ciardi, D., Delrez, L., Dransfield, G., Ducrot, E., Essack, Z., Everett, M. E., Gillon, M., Hooton, M. J., … Wright, D. (2024). Gliese 12 b, a temperate Earth-sized planet at 12 parsecs discovered with TESS and CHEOPS. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 531(1), 1276–1293. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stae1152
• Royal Astronomical Society. (2024, May 23). Potentially habitable ‘exo-Venus’ with Earth-like temperature discovered. Phys.Org; Royal Astronomical Society. https://phys.org/news/2024-05-potentially-habitable-exo-venus-earth.html