Earth-sized planet potentially suitable for life discovered

(Patria) - Scientists from the University of Warwick were part of an international team that, in cooperation with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), discovered a new Earth-sized planet potentially suitable for life.

They determined that the newly discovered planet, Gliese 12b, has the same temperature as the UK experienced during the 2022 heatwave, and is one of the few rocky planets where humans could theoretically survive.

As it is 40 light-years away from Earth, it is difficult to study it better, the University announced.

- This is a truly exciting discovery that will help us explore Earth-like planets across the galaxy - says Thomas Wilson, an astrophysicist from Warwick.

Its surface temperature is around 42 degrees Celsius, but scientists said they are still unsure about its atmosphere, if it has one at all.

The newly discovered planet orbits its own version of the Sun every 12.8 days and is similar in size to Earth. The Sun's equivalent, named Gliese 12, is cool and red and located in the constellation Pisces.

Gliese 12b receives 1.6 times more energy from this star than Earth receives from the Sun, the University announced.

The team used data from NASA and ESA satellites to confirm the planet's existence, as well as to learn all about its size, temperature, and distance from Earth.

- It is amazing that this planet is the closest Earth-sized planet, but also that its temperature is similar to what we know. The light we are seeing now is from 1984 – it took 40 years to reach us.

Planets like Gliese 12b are very rare and distant, so we have a special opportunity to examine it and learn details about its atmosphere and temperature - added Wilson.

Larissa Palethorpe, a doctoral student at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, who is leading the project, said it is a "special candidate" for further atmospheric study, to learn more about the evolution of our solar system.

- Earth remains habitable, but Venus does not, due to the complete loss of water. The atmosphere of Gliese 12b could teach us a lot about the habitability pathways that planets go through as they evolve - added Palethorpe.