Published , Modified Abstract on Planetary System's Second Earth-Size World Discovered Original source
Planetary System's Second Earth-Size World Discovered
Astronomers have discovered a second Earth-sized planet in a planetary system located 10.5 light-years away from our solar system. The discovery was made using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and the Spitzer Space Telescope. This new planet, named TOI-700 d, is located in the habitable zone of its star and has the potential to support life.
What is TOI-700 d?
TOI-700 d is an exoplanet, which means it is a planet that orbits a star outside of our solar system. It is the second Earth-sized planet discovered in the TOI-700 planetary system, which is located in the constellation Dorado. The planet orbits its star every 37 days and receives about 86% of the energy that Earth receives from the sun.
What Makes TOI-700 d Habitable?
TOI-700 d is located in the habitable zone of its star, which means it is at a distance where temperatures are just right for liquid water to exist on its surface. This makes it a prime candidate for supporting life as we know it. However, it is important to note that just because a planet is located in the habitable zone does not mean it has life or even the potential for life.
How Was TOI-700 d Discovered?
TOI-700 d was discovered using NASA's TESS and Spitzer Space Telescope. TESS searches for exoplanets by looking for dips in a star's brightness caused by a planet passing in front of it. Spitzer confirmed the existence of TOI-700 d by measuring its size and temperature.
What Does This Discovery Mean for Astronomy?
The discovery of TOI-700 d is significant because it adds to our growing list of potentially habitable exoplanets. It also shows that TESS and Spitzer are powerful tools for discovering exoplanets and studying their properties. This discovery will help astronomers better understand the conditions necessary for life to exist on other planets.
What's Next for TOI-700 d?
The next step for TOI-700 d is to study its atmosphere to determine if it has the necessary ingredients for life. This can be done using telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope, which is set to launch in 2021. If TOI-700 d does have a habitable atmosphere, it could be a major breakthrough in our search for life beyond Earth.
Conclusion
The discovery of TOI-700 d is an exciting development in the field of astronomy. It is the second Earth-sized planet discovered in its planetary system and is located in the habitable zone of its star. While we do not know if it has life or even the potential for life, this discovery adds to our growing list of potentially habitable exoplanets and shows that TESS and Spitzer are powerful tools for discovering exoplanets and studying their properties.
FAQs
1. How far away is TOI-700 d from Earth?
TOI-700 d is located 10.5 light-years away from our solar system.
2. How was TOI-700 d named?
TOI stands for "TESS Object of Interest," which means it was discovered using NASA's TESS telescope. The number 700 refers to its location in the sky, and the letter "d" indicates that it is the fourth planet discovered in its planetary system.
3. How long does it take TOI-700 d to orbit its star?
TOI-700 d orbits its star every 37 days.
4. What telescope will be used to study TOI-700 d's atmosphere?
The James Webb Space Telescope, which is set to launch in 2021, will be used to study TOI-700 d's atmosphere.
5. Is TOI-700 d the only potentially habitable exoplanet discovered?
No, there have been several potentially habitable exoplanets discovered in recent years. However, TOI-700 d is significant because it is the second Earth-sized planet discovered in its planetary system and is located in the habitable zone of its star.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.