Since the first detection of a planet outside our solar system in 1992, the search for exoplanets — those orbiting stars other than the Sun. Some of them have been noted for their striking similarities to Earth.
Such worlds, often dubbed “Earth 2.0”, have characteristics that make them potentially habitable. Here are three of those fascinating exoplanets.
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In February of this year, the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy revealed an exciting discovery: the exoplanet Wolf 1069b. located outside our Solar system, it has dimensions similar to Earth.
What makes this exoplanet even more intriguing is its orbit around the red dwarf star Wolf 1069, in the so-called “habitable zone”. Such a region offers temperature conditions that may be ideal for sustaining life as we know it.
Located 31 light-years away, Wolf 1069b is relatively close in astronomical terms. Computer simulations indicate that it could have a molten core, generating a protective magnetic field.
With an orbit of 15.6 Earth days, the exoplanet keeps one side illuminated by the star and the other in constant darkness.
(Image: publicity)
The Kepler telescope detected Kepler-186f in 2014. This exoplanet, situated approximately 500 light-years away, is a significant milestone in the quest for habitability.
It is the first Earth-sized exoplanet to be found in its star's habitable zone. making its discovery a crucial step towards identifying worlds potentially apt for harbor life.
Kepler-186f orbits a red dwarf star, but the distance between solar systems makes analyzing its atmosphere and surface challenging.
In a star system just 4.24 light-years away, the exoplanet Proxima Centauri b stands out for its proximity. Orbiting the red dwarf star Proxima Centauri, it is part of the Alpha Centauri triple star system.
Though similar in mass and size to Earth, conditions on Proxima Centauri b are unique because of its proximity to the star. A year on Proxima Centauri b lasts only 11.2 Earth days.
However, its proximity also means that the planet receives about 65% of the solar energy that Earth receives from the Sun. This opens up the possibility of liquid water on the surface.
Despite the chance of these planets harbor lifestill a subject of debate, each discovery brings us closer to understanding the possibilities of existence beyond our planet.
