A planet 48 light-years away has 3 key ingredients scientists seek: Rock, an atmosphere and the right temperature, does it have life?
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Why in news
Astronomers detected a helium-rich atmosphere on LHS 1140 b, the first direct atmospheric detection on a rocky, Earth-like exoplanet.
Background
LHS 1140 b is a rocky exoplanet located 48 light-years away, orbiting within its star's habitable zone. The discovery, published in the journal Science, confirms the presence of helium in its atmosphere.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TLHS 1140 b: An Earth-like rocky exoplanet located 48 light-years from Earth.
- S&THabitable Zone: The orbital region around a star where liquid water can exist on a planet's surface.
- FactLHS 1140 b was first discovered in 2017 by Jason Dittman's team.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of detecting atmospheres on rocky exoplanets in the search for extraterrestrial life and the technological advancements required for such observations.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Technological leap: Transition from detecting gas giants to characterizing the chemical signatures of terrestrial-sized planets.
Keywords: Exoplanet · Habitable Zone · Spectroscopy · Astrobiology · Atmospheric Characterization
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