NASA discovered a second habitable planet in the same system: Why is the habitable zone important?

Using data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) satellite, scientists discovered a new planet orbiting within the habitable zone of its star, TOI 700 e. The habitable zone means that liquid water may or may not form on the planet’s surface. Moreover, the new planet is 95 percent the size of Earth and is rocky.

Second habitable planet found in same system

Astronomers have previously discovered three exoplanets in this system, designated TOI 700 b, c, and d. “TOI 700 d” is also spinning in the habitable zone of the system it is in. “This is one of the few systems we know of with multiple, small, habitable zone planets,” NASA researcher Emily Gilbert said in a statement. used the phrase.

Meanwhile, the solar system TOI 700 in the Dolphin (Dorado) Constellation is approximately 100 light-years from Earth. To visualize this distance, you need to look at Voyager 1, launched in 1977, which went the farthest from Earth and continues to do so. After 45 years, the space probe is only 22 hours away at the speed of light.

Why is the habitable zone important?

Before answering the question above, “How many planets have been discovered so far?” You have to look at the question. According to NASA, 5000 planets have been discovered so far. Only about 60 of these planets are in the habitable zone.

The habitable zone essentially means that the planet is far enough from its star to support life. The planet must be neither too close nor too far from its star because if it is close it will be too hot, if it is far it will be too cold. Also, the fact that the planet is just the right distance from its star is not a sufficient indicator. It also needs to be the right size. For example, if the planet is too small, it may not be strong enough to hold the atmosphere. If it is too large, its atmosphere can be overwhelmingly dense.