'Earth has a twin': HD 20794 d could prove we’re not alone in the universe
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Super-Earth Found
A new Earth-like planet, HD 20794 d, has been discovered orbiting in the habitable zone of a sun-like star, just 20 light-years away. The breakthrough opens doors to the study of potentially life-supporting exoplanets.
Credit : NASA
Habitable Zone
This super-Earth’s orbit lies in the habitable zone, the perfect distance from its star to sustain liquid water—a key condition for life. Its discovery brings us closer to identifying Earth-like worlds.
Credit : NASA
Elliptical Orbit
Unlike most planets, HD 20794 d has an elliptical orbit, shifting between the inner and outer edges of the habitable zone, making it an exciting yet complex candidate for life.
Credit : NASA
Decades of Data
Dr. Michael Cretignier, of Oxford University, led the research using 20 years of light spectrum data from HARPS and ESPRESSO spectrographs in Chile, confirming the planet's existence.
Credit : NASA
Joyful Confirmation
“For me, it was naturally a huge joy when we could confirm the planet's existence,” said Dr. Cretignier, who worked years to eliminate noise and prove the signal was real.
Credit : NASA
Future Missions
Instruments like the Extremely Large Telescope and LIFE mission could study HD 20794 d’s atmosphere, searching for biosignatures that may indicate life.
Advanced Tools
The discovery used cutting-edge spectrographs to detect the gravitational pull of HD 20794 d. These tools are among the most precise in the world for measuring light spectrum variations.
Close Proximity
At only 20 light-years away, HD 20794 d is one of the closest Earth-like planets discovered, making it a prime target for future missions seeking life beyond our solar system.
Pivotal Role
“With its location in the habitable zone, this planet could play a pivotal role in characterizing exoplanet atmospheres,” said Dr. Cretignier, emphasizing its importance for future exploration.
Credit : NASA