Published , Modified Abstract on TESS Discovers Three New Planets Nearby, Including Temperate 'Sub-Neptune' Original source
TESS Discovers Three New Planets Nearby, Including Temperate 'Sub-Neptune'
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered three new planets nearby, including a temperate 'sub-Neptune.' The discovery was made by a team of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), NASA, and other institutions. The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Introduction
TESS is a space telescope launched by NASA in 2018 to search for exoplanets orbiting nearby stars. The satellite uses the transit method to detect planets, which involves measuring the dip in a star's brightness as a planet passes in front of it. TESS has already discovered hundreds of exoplanets, including some that could potentially support life.
The Three New Planets
The three new planets discovered by TESS are all located in the same system, which is about 73 light-years away from Earth. The system is called TOI-270, and it contains a small, cool star known as an M dwarf. The planets are all relatively small, with radii between 1.25 and 2.4 times that of Earth.
The innermost planet, TOI-270b, is a rocky world about the size of Earth. It orbits very close to its star, completing one orbit every 3.4 days. This makes it too hot to support life as we know it.
The middle planet, TOI-270c, is a 'sub-Neptune' that is about 2.4 times the size of Earth. It orbits in the habitable zone of the star, where temperatures are just right for liquid water to exist on its surface. This makes it a potential target for further study, as it could potentially support life.
The outermost planet, TOI-270d, is another rocky world that is about 1.9 times the size of Earth. It orbits much farther from its star than the other two planets, completing one orbit every 11.4 days.
Implications of the Discovery
The discovery of these three new planets has several implications for our understanding of exoplanets and their potential for supporting life. The fact that all three planets are relatively small suggests that small planets may be more common than previously thought.
The discovery of TOI-270c, the temperate 'sub-Neptune,' is particularly exciting, as it is one of the few exoplanets discovered so far that could potentially support life. Further study of this planet could provide valuable insights into the conditions necessary for life to exist on other worlds.
Conclusion
The discovery of three new planets by TESS is a significant milestone in our search for exoplanets and our understanding of the universe. The fact that one of these planets could potentially support life is particularly exciting, and further study of this planet and others like it could provide valuable insights into the origins and nature of life in the universe.
FAQs
1. What is TESS?
TESS is a space telescope launched by NASA in 2018 to search for exoplanets orbiting nearby stars.
2. How does TESS detect planets?
TESS uses the transit method to detect planets, which involves measuring the dip in a star's brightness as a planet passes in front of it.
3. How many exoplanets has TESS discovered so far?
TESS has already discovered hundreds of exoplanets, including some that could potentially support life.
4. What is TOI-270?
TOI-270 is a system located about 73 light-years away from Earth that contains a small, cool star known as an M dwarf.
5. What is a 'sub-Neptune'?
A 'sub-Neptune' is a type of exoplanet that is larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.
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.