Researchers at the University of Warwick in collaboration with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have unveiled a newly found Earth-sized planet deemed habitable.
According to their findings, the new planet, Gliese 12b has temperatures similar to those experienced during the UK heatwave of 2022, suggesting potential suitability for human habitation on its rocky terrain
However, Gliese 12b’s location, positioned some 40 light-years away presents a formidable challenge, rendering it impractical for closer scrutiny at present.
Warwick astrophysicist Dr Thomas Wilson said: “This is a really exciting discovery and will help our research into planets similar to Earth across our galaxy.”
The scientific community reports that the surface temperature hovers around 42°C, although uncertainties linger regarding the composition of its atmosphere. With an orbit around its equivalent of the sun every 12.8 days, this Earth-sized planet presents a remarkable resemblance to our own.
According to the university, Gliese 12, the planet’s equivalent of the Sun is a cool, red dwarf located in the constellation Pisces and the planet receives 1.6 times more energy from its star than Earth does from the sun
Data from NASA and ESA’s satellites was used to discover the planet’s existence and characteristics (size, temperature and distance away from Earth).
“Thrillingly, this planet is the closest Earth-sized and temperature planet we know,” Dr Wilson added.
“The light we are seeing now is from 1984 [40 years ago] – that’s how long it has taken to reach us here on Earth.
“Planets like Gliese 12 b are very few and far between, so for us to be able to examine one this closely and learn about its atmosphere and temperature is very rare.”
Also, Larissa Palethorpe, co-lead of the study and doctoral student at the University of Edinburgh and University College London said it was a “unique candidate” for more studies to be carried out to help unravel some aspects of the solar system’s evolution.
“Earth remains habitable, but Venus does not due to its complete loss of water. Gliese 12 b’s atmosphere could teach us a lot about the habitability pathways planets take as they develop,” she added.
