NASA telescopes have measured its size and mass.
Astronomers announce the discovery of a new planet potentially habitable in our galaxy. This planet, baptized “You-1231 B”, the planet was detected thanks to the transit method, which consists in observing the variations in light of a star when the planet passes in front of it. Super powerful telescopes like Hubble (NASA) and Keck made it possible to measure its size and mass.
Located at 35 light years from our solar system, it is about three times larger than the earth, has a similar atmosphere, as well as a temperature that would allow liquid water to stay on its surface, which is essential to life. There could therefore be oceans or rivers as on earth. The climate would probably be suitable for agriculture and other human activities, provided that temperatures and atmosphere are stable, can be read in the journal The Astronomical Journal.
However, although researchers call it “potentially habitable”, it is not certain that one day can live on this planet. As it is in orbit around a small star of type M – a smaller and colder star class than the sun – there is a possibility that the solar activity of this star is more intense. To live there, humans should be protected against solar and cosmic radiation, which may require underground habitats or special protections against radiation. Also, reaching it would be complicated because it would imply advanced propulsion technologies, such as vessels capable of traveling to a fraction of the speed of light, which remains a major challenge for humanity.
Scientists must use even more advanced telescopes to make further analyzes on its atmosphere in order to seek signs of life. In any case, this discovery is far from useless for humans because it encourages the continuation of the exploration of other habitable planets close to our solar system, in particular by using the James Webb space telescope. You-1231 B represents a significant advance in the quest to understand our place in the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
