The near-Earth exoplanet was identified using observational data from the James Webb Space Telescope.
The planet is called LHS 475 b located outside the solar system, almost the same size as Earth. This rocky planet is located 41 light years from Earth, in the constellation Octans. Previous data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) suggested the planet might exist.
Simulation of the rocky planet LHS 475 b similar in size to Earth.
Simulation of the rocky planet LHS 475 b of size equivalent to Earth. (Photo: NASA)
The team, led by astronomer Kevin Stevenson and postdoctoral researcher Jacob Lustig-Yaeger of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, observed the target using the Webb Telescope. Surname watch the starlight dim as the planet passes in front of the host star. According to the research team, Webb’s data verified the existence of Exoplanet LHS 475 b.
The discovery of LHS 475 was announced on January 11 at the 24th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle. According to Stevenson, it’s also an impressive little rocky planet for the observatory.
Webb is the only telescope capable of determining the characteristics of the atmosphere Exoplanet as big as Earth. The research team used Webb to scan the planet across many wavelengths of light to check whether or not it has an atmosphere. Currently, the research team cannot draw precise conclusions, but the sensitivity of the telescope detects a series of molecules. Lustig-Yaeger said LHS 475 b could not have a thick atmosphere containing mostly methane, similar to that of Saturn’s moon Titan.
Astronomers will have another chance to observe the planet again this summer and analyze the possibility of an atmosphere. Webb’s findings were also revealing The planet is several hundred degrees hotter than Earth. If the team finds clouds on LH 475 b, it could look more like Venus. Venus is considered a warmer twin version of Earth with an atmosphere composed of carbon dioxide.
The planet completes an orbit around the host star, the red dwarf star, after two days. Since the star is only half the temperature of the Sun, it is possible that the planet can still maintain its atmosphere even though it is located close to the host star.
“The Webb telescope gives us new insights into Earth-like worlds in the outer solar system, and the mission is only just beginning”shared Mark Clampin, director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters.
Article source: VnExpress
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The near-Earth exoplanet was identified using observational data from the James Webb Space Telescope.
