Life in Space?: Exoplanet Could Be First Discovered with Liquid Water on Its Surface

he James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) It periodically contributes to the growing list of exoplanets compiled by experts, expanding the available information about the properties of objects in outer space. Thanks to the data it provides, a team of experts led by scientists was able to University of Montreal I was able to identify more precise characteristics. LHS 1140 BIt is a planet discovered in 2017.

the findings Published Explain that given its diameter, there has been speculation as to whether it is a super earth (rocky planet larger than Earth) or a Little Neptune (A gas planet smaller than Neptune.) However, the analysis reaffirms the possibility that it is icy planet Or with oceans of liquid water.

constellation Cetus The planetary system includes Of which LHS 1140 b is part, a 48 light years Far from Earth. It orbits an M-type star, known as “red dwarf“It is one-fifth the size of the Sun and at the same time much cooler. It completes its journey around the star approximately 24.7 days It is located within the area considered habitableThis means that the temperature it receives will allow it to do so. presence of liquid wateressential for life.

Scientists have announced that LHS 1140 b could have nitrogen rich secondary atmospheresimilar to Earth. This means that the planet's temperature can be regulated by retaining heat. “Estimates based on all accumulated data reveal that LHS 1140 b is less dense than expected for a rocky planet with a composition similar to Earth's, suggesting that It can consist of between 10 and 20% of its mass of water.“They explained from the University of Montreal in A condition.

The planet is believed to meet a synchronous rotationThat is, one of its sides always points toward its star. For this reason, there will be an ocean on the side facing the star, and the rest will be made up of ice. According to estimates, the liquid water surface has a diameter of about 4000 km Its center temperature can reach 20 degrees CelsiusThe other alternative is that the world is like that. completely covered in ice.

Experts have access to JWST for observation. Two crossings of LHS 1140 B before their star and were able to analyze some of the components of its possible atmosphere. The data was obtained using the instrument Neris (Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrum Analyzer), which is capable of obtaining high-quality images from Infrared And measure the wavelength of brightness coming from different objects in outer space. Thanks to this, they discovered Specific signs Of various chemical and molecular compounds.

“This is the first great look we can get at Joe super earth in habitable zoneCompared to other known exoplanets in the habitable zone, such as those in the TRAPPIST-1 system, LHS 1140 appears to be much quieter and less active, making it much less complex. LHS 1140 b's atmosphere revealed “The stellar signals are from starspots,” said Ryan MacDonald, a NASA Sagan Fellow in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Montreal.

The planet LHS 1140 b is currently one of the most promising candidate planets that could be found. liquid water Out of the solar system If conditions are favorable, signs appear. extraterrestrial lifeThis is due to its location within the habitable zone of its star and its potential nitrogen-rich atmosphere.

In the future, scientists hope to explore the hypothetical existence of living organisms. Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases, not just to understand them. climate systemBut also to assess whether it could harbour life.

This can be achieved, in addition to confirming the true composition of its atmosphere and the presence of liquid water, according to scientists. After years of observations Because access to JWST is limited.