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NASA Discovers New Potentially Habitable Exoplanet
In an exciting development for space exploration, NASA has identified a new exoplanet that may support human life. Unlike the barren moon, this newly discovered planet is already considered potentially habitable. Using advanced telescopic technology, scientists have found an exoplanet with an atmosphere similar to Earth’s.
Discovering Gliese 12b
The exoplanet, named Gliese 12b, is slightly larger than Earth, with a temperature averaging around 42 degrees Celsius. This planet completes an orbit around its star every few days. Situated approximately 40 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Pisces, Gliese 12b orbits a small, cool red dwarf star.
Characteristics of Gliese 12b
Discovered by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), Gliese 12b is about 1.1 times the width of Earth, drawing comparisons to Venus, often referred to as Earth’s twin. Despite its proximity to its star, Gliese 12b remains in the “Goldilocks Zone”—the habitable zone where conditions may be just right to support life. While it receives about 85 percent of the radiation that Venus receives from the Sun, Gliese 12b maintains a more temperate surface temperature of approximately 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius). In contrast, Venus’ surface temperature soars to 867 degrees Fahrenheit (464 degrees Celsius).
The Potential for Life
Both Earth and Venus reside within the Sun’s habitable zone; however, their environments are vastly different. Earth’s favorable conditions support life, while Venus’ extreme heat renders it uninhabitable. Although scientists are optimistic about the potential of Gliese 12b, they caution that it is still unclear whether this exoplanet has a viable atmosphere.
Future Prospects
The discovery of Gliese 12b offers hope and a new target for future exploration. While more research is needed to determine its habitability, the scientific community remains hopeful. This discovery underscores the importance of continued space exploration and the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
For more updates on this exciting discovery, stay tuned to NASA’s latest findings.
Source: Hindustan Times
