Astronomers have potentially identified a rocky exoplanet, Gliese 12 b, 40 light-years from Earth, that may support habitable conditions.
According to a report by Newsweek on Thursday, Gliese 12 b orbits a red dwarf star that is significantly smaller and cooler than our sun, possessing only 27% of the sun’s size. Experts suggest that the temperate climate of this exoplanet could theoretically sustain human life.
A spokesperson from the University of Warwick elaborated on the findings, stating, “Gliese 12 b is one of the few known rocky planets where humans could theoretically survive. However, the exact composition of Gliese 12 b’s atmosphere remains uncertain.”
Thomas Wilson, a physics professor involved in the discovery and a research team member, expressed his enthusiasm about the findings. “This is a really exciting discovery and will help our research into planets similar to Earth. Planets like Gliese 12 b are rare, and having the opportunity to study one in such detail to learn about its atmosphere and temperature is exceptionally uncommon,” he said.
The ability of Gliese 12 b to support life largely depends on its proximity to its star. The University spokesperson explained, “Proximity to the star is crucial.
Proximity to its star critically impacts a planet’s ability to support life. If a planet is too close, it risks having its surface water evaporate into space; conversely, being too distant may cause the water to freeze. Additionally, the planet’s size plays a significant role in its habitability: a planet that is too small may lack the gravitational pull needed to maintain an atmosphere, whereas an excessively large planet might possess an atmosphere so dense it becomes inhospitable.
Gliese 12 b, with an average temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit, is comparable in size to Venus or Earth, positioning it as a candidate for further study in the quest for habitable planets beyond our solar system.
