NASA Discovers Exoplanet with Potential for Liquid Water and Volcanoes

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet that could have liquid water and lots of volcanoes. The planet, called LP 791-18 d, is about the size of Earth and orbits a small, cool star about 90 light-years from our solar system.

The planet is tidally locked to its star, meaning that the same side of the planet always faces the star. This means that one side of the planet is always in daylight, while the other side is always in darkness.

The researchers believe that the planet is likely to have a very active geology, with lots of volcanoes. This is because the planet is located in the habitable zone of its star, which is the region around a star where liquid water could exist on the surface of a planet.

The presence of liquid water and volcanoes on LP 791-18 d makes it a very interesting target for further study. The researchers hope to learn more about the planet’s atmosphere, its surface, and its potential for life.

Here are some additional details about the discovery:

• The planet was discovered using data from NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) and retired Spitzer Space Telescope, as well as a suite of ground-based observatories.
• The planet is about the size of Earth and has a mass that is about twice as much as Earth’s.
• The planet orbits its star once every 16.6 days.
• The planet is tidally locked to its star, meaning that the same side of the planet always faces the star.
• The planet is located in the habitable zone of its star, which is the region around a star where liquid water could exist on the surface of a planet.
• The researchers believe that the planet is likely to have a very active geology, with lots of volcanoes.

The discovery of LP 791-18 d is a significant step forward in the search for life beyond Earth. The planet is a very promising candidate for further study, and the researchers hope to learn more about its atmosphere, its surface, and its potential for life in the near future.

Quotes from the Researchers

• “This is a very exciting discovery,” said Björn Benneke, a co-author of the study and an astronomy professor at the University of Montreal. “LP 791-18 d is the first exoplanet that we know of that could have liquid water and volcanoes. This makes it a very promising target for further study, and we hope to learn more about its potential for life in the near future.”
• “This discovery is a testament to the power of modern astronomy,” said Stephen Kane, the lead author of the study and an astronomer at the University of California, Riverside. “With the help of powerful telescopes like TESS and Spitzer, we are now able to find exoplanets that are even more Earth-like than ever before. This is a major step forward in the search for life beyond Earth.”

What Does This Discovery Mean for the Search for Life Beyond Earth?

The discovery of LP 791-18 d is a major step forward in the search for life beyond Earth. The planet is a very promising candidate for further study, and the researchers hope to learn more about its atmosphere, its surface, and its potential for life in the near future.

If LP 791-18 d does indeed have liquid water and volcanoes, then it is likely to be a very habitable planet. Liquid water is essential for life as we know it, and volcanoes can provide a source of nutrients and energy for life.

The discovery of LP 791-18 d is a reminder that we are not alone in the universe. There are likely many other exoplanets out there that are just as habitable, or even more so, than Earth. The search for life beyond Earth is an exciting and important endeavor, and the discovery of LP 791-18 d is a major step forward in this quest.