Researchers discovered an exoplanet, GJ 1132b, which is almost the size of Earth and located quite close to the solar system, instead of another alien-like region, according to a Kavli Foundation study.
The researchers made the discovery using the James Webb Space Telescope, finding that GJ 1132b orbits a small red dwarf star 39 light-years away.
"To get a really complete picture of what exo-worlds are like, we need to focus on nearby, transiting planets, such as GJ 1132b," Zachory Berta-Thompson, lead author of the study, said in a news release. Researchers have discovered numerous exoplanets, however GJ 1132b is one of the most interesting exoplanets. GJ 1132b was found since it transits the face of its star and starlight filters through its atmosphere.
"GJ 1132b is three times closer to us than any other Earth-sized planet we know of, and it orbits a small red dwarf star that is just one-fifth the size of the Sun. So that's one of the reasons why this discovery is unique" Elisabeth Newton, co-author of the study, said.
By studying GJ 1132b, researchers will be able to determine whether or not life can take place inn red dwarf solar systems, which are cooler when compared to sun-like stars. GJ 1132b has a fairly habitable atmosphere and water remains a liquid on its surface.
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