Discovery
Scientists have discovered an exoplanet, Gliese 12 b, located in the constellation Pisces, which exhibits conditions compatible with life.
Characteristics
Slightly smaller than Earth and comparable in size to Venus, Gliese 12 b possesses an estimated surface temperature of 42°C (107°F). Warmer than Earth's 15°C (59°F), this temperature is significantly cooler than other observed exoplanets, permitting liquid water to flow on its surface. Researchers speculate that Gliese 12 b may possess an atmosphere similar to Earth or Venus, no atmosphere at all, or even an atmosphere unlike any previously encountered.
Atmospheric Stability
The host star's activity levels are crucial for an exoplanet's atmospheric preservation. Red dwarf stars like Gliese 12 tend to be magnetically active, producing intense X-ray flares sporadically. However, Gliese 12 exhibits low levels of such activity, enhancing the likelihood that Gliese 12 b's atmosphere remains intact.
Significance
"Gliese 12 b is one of the best targets to study whether Earth-sized planets orbiting cool stars can sustain atmospheres, which is an essential step to extend our understanding of the possibility of life on planets in our galaxy," explained Shishir Dholakia, a Ph.D. student at the Center for Astrophysics at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia.
By comparing it to Earth and Venus, scientists aim to gain insights into how planetary atmospheres facilitate or hinder the emergence of life.
Detection
Gliese 12 b was identified using observations from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). To date, TESS has discovered over 440 exoplanets. Gliese 12 b is among a small set of temperate Earth-sized exoplanets located close enough for detailed atmospheric studies.
Outlook
"Gliese 12 b receives an amount of starlight that falls in between what Earth and Venus receive from the Sun, and this places it in a valuable position to bridge the gap between these two planets in our own solar system," said Dholakia. "Gliese 12 b could help us identify exoplanets with conditions similar to Earth's, fueling hopes of finding life on temperate planets orbiting cool stars in the Milky Way."
Summary
Gliese 12 b, an exoplanet located just 40 light-years from Earth, exhibits characteristics suggesting habitability. With its moderate temperature, potential for liquid water, and stable host star, Gliese 12 b provides a promising target for further research into the existence of life beyond our planet.