Key Takeaways:
- 1. Researchers have discovered a rocky exoplanet, GJ 251 c, within its star’s habitable zone less than 20 light-years from Earth.
- 2. The planet is considered a prime target for finding signs of life due to its rocky composition and proximity to Earth.
- 3. Ground-based telescopes like the Thirty Meter Telescope may be able to directly image the planet’s light within the next decade to search for atmospheric biosignatures.
A team of scientists led by Penn State University has identified a 'super Earth' exoplanet, GJ 251 c, in the habitable zone of a nearby star. The planet's rocky nature and proximity to Earth make it a key target for potential life exploration. Ground-based telescopes are expected to directly capture the planet's light in the coming decade to search for biosignatures in its atmosphere. This discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding extraterrestrial life.
Insight: The discovery of GJ 251 c offers a promising opportunity to search for signs of life beyond Earth, with advanced telescopes potentially revealing crucial information about the planet's atmosphere and potential biological activity.
This article was curated by memoment.jp from the feed source: The Debrief.
Read the original article here: https://thedebrief.org/we-made-an-exciting-discovery-astronomers-spot-super-earth-in-stars-habitable-zone-less-than-20-light-years-from-earth/
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