As scientists continue their space explorations, we encounter a discovery from the depths of the universe every day. These discoveries, including exoplanets, are of great importance in our search for extraterrestrial life. If you ask what an exoplanet is; This name is given to planets that do not belong to our solar system and are orbiting another star. Experts have recently announced that they have discovered a planet that may be covered by an ocean in the past few weeks.
Now, a new explanation has come from astronomers and it has been announced that a new discovery has been made. In the statement, it was stated that two new planets were found in a dwarf star 105 light-years away. The study findings were published on Astronomy & Astrophysics.
One of the planets could be habitable
Scientists stated that the red dwarf named TOI-4306, which is 105 light years away from us, is home to these two rocky exoplanets. In addition, it was also included in the statements that one of the planets, which was stated to be discovered with the help of NASA’s TESS telescope, is at a suitable distance from the star to be suitable for life.
While the planets are quite exciting, more observations are needed to understand the nature of the planets. Experts add that even if not habitable, rocky planets at a suitable distance from their star are quite rare. Additionally, the study reveals that there are many more planets waiting to be discovered outside our solar system.
Telescopes sensitive to near-infrared waves were used in the expedition. The data obtained in the observations also enabled the discovery of the planet named LP 890-9b for the first time. The team then searched for missed exoplanets with TESS and discovered the second planet slightly further away from LP890-9b. This other planet, which has an orbital period of 8.4 days, was named LP 890-9c. It was stated that the first planet is 13 times the mass of the Earth, and the second is 25 times more. The fact that the planets are rock planets larger than Earth and smaller than Neptune also made them enter the ‘Super-Earth’ class.
Finally, the researchers say there is a possibility that LP 890-9c could be habitable due to its location at the right distance. However, it is emphasized that it is too early to get excited about this issue and that additional studies are needed on many issues such as the atmosphere of the planet. We will see developments regarding this promising planet in the future.
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