NASA Finds ‘Super-Earth’ in Habitable Zone, 137 Light Years Away

Scientists, in their quest to ensure the survival of humanity beyond Earth’s finite lifespan and resources, have been searching for habitable locations in space. In a significant breakthrough, NASA has announced the discovery of a “super-Earth” that potentially possesses the right conditions and temperature to support life.

This newly identified exoplanet, situated 137 light years from Earth, orbits within its star’s “habitable zone,” according to NASA. Named TOI-715b, this exoplanet is approximately one and a half times larger than Earth and orbits a small, red-hued star.

NASA’s press release highlights that this planetary system might also contain another planet about the size of Earth. If verified, this would make it the smallest habitable-zone planet discovered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to date.

The super-Earth’s distance from its star suggests it could reside within a conservative “habitable zone,” potentially reaching temperatures conducive to liquid water formation on its surface—a key factor for sustaining life. However, NASA notes that other conditions must also align for this possibility.

NASA’s conservative estimation of the habitable zone, which they consider more precise than the broader “optimistic” habitable zone, places this new planet in an ideal position relative to its star. The smaller, Earth-sized planet within this system is also thought to be in a conservative habitable zone.

NASA explains that a year on this super-Earth equals just 19 Earth days due to its close proximity to its red dwarf star, which is smaller and cooler than our sun. This closer orbit means the planets can be more easily and frequently observed.

Moreover, the James Webb Space Telescope has played a pivotal role in detecting exoplanets and investigating their atmospheric compositions, offering hints about the potential for life.

The discovery, led by Georgina Dransfield from the University of Birmingham, was published in the “Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society” journal in January.

This discovery represents a significant advancement in astronomers’ ongoing mission to comprehend the atmospheric conditions necessary for life and to investigate the characteristics of exoplanets beyond our solar system, as stated by NASA.