An artist’s impression of a hot exoplanet. (Image: Getty)
Astronomers have unveiled the discovery of two Earth-sized orbiting a star more than 40 light-years from our planet, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing quest to identify potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
A team of researchers have outlined their findings in a paper published on the pre-print server and shared by phys.org.
The star, HD 101581, also catalogued as GJ 435, is a K5V-type orange dwarf star located about 42 light years away.
The two confirmed exoplanets, designated HD 101581 b and HD 101581 c, were identified through meticulous observations using ‘s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) during its 63rd and 64th observation sectors.
These planets exhibit radii comparable to Earth’s, with HD 101581 b measuring approximately 0.956 times Earth’s radius and HD 101581 c about 0.990 times. Their orbital periods are notably brief, with HD 101581 b completing a revolution around its host star every 4.47 days and HD 101581 c every 6.21 days.
:
Artist’s impression of the James Webb Telescope. (Image: NASA / SWNS)
Additionally, a third candidate planet, HD 101581 d, has been detected, though its existence awaits further confirmation. If validated, this planet would also be Earth-sized, with an orbital period of approximately 7.9 days.
The discovery of these Earth-sized exoplanets is especially compelling due to their relative proximity to our solar system, which facilitates more detailed study.
Nevertheless, their close orbits to HD 101581 suggest that they are subjected to intense stellar radiation, resulting in higher surface temperatures than Earth’s. This likely renders them inhospitable to life as we know it.
Despite the remote possibility that they could harbour life, the planets offer invaluable opportunities for scientific investigation.
Don’t miss… [PICTURES]
Recent images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. (Image: PA)
Studying their atmospheres and compositions can enhance understanding of planetary formation and the diversity of planetary systems.
Such research contributes to the broader objective of identifying Earth-like planets within habitable zones, where conditions may be conducive to life.
This discovery arrives at a pivotal moment. The astronomical community anticipates a surge in exoplanet research in 2025, propelled by data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Launched in December 2021, the JWST has already demonstrated its capacity to observe distant cosmic phenomena with unprecedented clarity.
In the coming year, it is poised to focus on systems such as TRAPPIST-1, which harbours multiple Earth-sized planets within its habitable zone.
Researchers are optimistic that the JWST’s advanced spectroscopic capabilities will enable the detection of atmospheric biomarkers – chemical indicators of life – on these distant worlds.
Earlier this year, Dr. Amber Straughn, a NASA astrophysicist, said: “With Webb, we are now able to look at the universe in a way we never could before.
“We’re not just seeing distant galaxies, we’re seeing the evolution of galaxies and how they’re forming. It’s going to change everything we know about the cosmos.”