Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA has discovered a "Super-Earth," named TOI-715 b, located 137 light-years away, according to a press release by the space agency. The planet orbits a small, reddish star within the conservative habitable zone, raising the possibility of supporting life.
TOI-715 b is approximately 1.5 times the width of Earth and completes a full orbit around its parent star in just 19 days. The planet's placement within the conservative habitable zone suggests the potential for liquid water on its surface.
The same star system that houses TOI-715 b might also host a second, Earth-sized planet. The compact orbit of both planets around a red dwarf star contributes to their potential habitability.
TOI-715 b orbits a red dwarf star, known for being smaller and cooler than the Sun. Such stars often host small, rocky planets with closer orbits. Despite the tighter orbits, the planets remain within the habitable zone due to the characteristics of red dwarfs.
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) played a crucial role in detecting TOI-715 b. Its ability to observe shorter orbital durations allowed scientists to study the planet more effectively.
NASA, now plans to intensively investigate TOI-715 b using the James Webb telescope. The success of the scrutiny depends on understanding the planet's properties, including its mass and potential classification as a "water world."
The conservative habitable zone, a narrower and potentially more reliable definition, places TOI-715 b in a prime position for the presence of surface water. This zone considers various factors, making it a significant parameter for assessing a planet's habitability.
Much remains contingent on TOI-715 b's characteristics, such as its mass and atmospheric composition. NASA has emphasized the importance of understanding whether the planet qualifies as a "water world," which could significantly impact the detectability of its atmosphere. The upcoming scrutiny will aim to unravel more about this potentially habitable Super-Earth.