Astronomers using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite have spotted an Earth-like exoplanet named Gliese 12b, located a mere 40 light-years from our solar system. Orbiting the Gliese 12 red dwarf in the constellation of Pisces, it has become the closest potentially habitable exoplanet to Earth to date. These findings were recently published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society in the UK.
Following the discovery of Gliese 12b, researchers identified it as an ideal candidate for further analysis. Scientists, including Larissa Palethorpe from the University of Edinburgh, decided to conduct more detailed observations of Gliese 12b using the European Space Agency's Characterising Exoplanet Satellite and ground-based observatories in Australia, Chile, and China.
By monitoring the changes in brightness of Gliese 12 as Gliese 12b orbits, researchers determined that Gliese 12b has a rapid orbital speed, completing a full rotation around Gliese 12 every 12.8 days.
Furthermore, observations revealed that Gliese 12b is slightly smaller than Earth, comparable in size to Venus. With an estimated surface temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, it is believed to have the potential to host liquid water and even life.
"This is truly exciting," Palethorpe remarked. "It is the closest transiting exoplanet to us, which is crucial for future atmospheric observations using the James Webb Space Telescope."
To further understand the potential habitability of this planet, researchers plan to continue monitoring it and aim to determine the type of its atmosphere if it exists.
"Its atmosphere could be similar to Earth's, possibly undergoing atmospheric escape like Venus, or something in between. At present, we cannot be certain," Palethorpe explained.
These findings can aid scientists in understanding how rocky planets in the solar system evolve over time.
"Regardless of the outcome, it can inform us about how Earth became habitable and why Venus did not," Palethorpe added.
For more information, refer to the research paper at: https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stae1152
