Gliese 12b might be a planet that’s a little like Earth. That may sound surprising, but scientists think it could have some of the same conditions as our planet. It’s about 31 light-years away, which sounds far—but for space, that’s actually not too bad!
What makes this planet so interesting is that it might have the right conditions for things like water, and maybe even air. And if that’s true, then of course the next question is: could life exist there, too? For a long time, most of the focus has been on Mars when talking about life beyond Earth. But now, Gliese 12b gives us another reason to look a little further out. Let’s dig into what scientists have found so far—and why this quiet little planet has suddenly caught everyone’s attention.
Why is Gliese 12b so special?
Well, this planet goes around a star in the Piscis constellation. This star is smaller and colder than the Sun and it’s called red dwarf star. However, the most striking thing about it is that Gliese 12b is in, what scientists call, an ‘’habitable zone’’, which is a region where liquid water could exist as we know here on Earth.
Although this discovery was possible thanks to NASA’s special tool called TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite), astronomers don’t know if the planet has an atmosphere or life yet. What’s been discovered makes them have hope and find these things on Gliese 12b.
What other instruments are they using?
Of course, TESS has an essential role in this discovery because it was used to study how the planet’s light changed when it passed in front of its star. However, there’s another telescope scientists are using and it’s called the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This is a very powerful telescope that allows scientists to see tiny details in space like heat or light, that can’t be seen with the naked eye. These tools will be very useful to keep observing Gliese 12b from far away.
Is this planet habitable?
Right now, scientists don’t have all the answers about Gliese 12b—but they’re keeping a close eye on it. Nothing has been fully confirmed yet, but there are some promising signs that make this planet really interesting. For example, it doesn’t look like it’s in danger of being hit by comets or asteroids anytime soon, which is a good start! Also, when scientists look at the planet through telescopes, they haven’t seen anything strange happening on its surface which is a great sign.
There’s still no clear evidence that the planet has an atmosphere like Earth’s—with air, clouds, or weather patterns. But despite that, scientists have found that the temperature and stability of Gliese 12b are conditions that could possibly make it a good place for life—at least in theory. It’s still early, but definitely exciting.
A possible second Earth
If scientists end up confirming the existence of water, an atmosphere and similar conditions as in our planet, it will be one of the most important discoveries in recent years. Can you imagine that moment when we are able to say there is another place where people could live in the future? But, most important… in the universe!
Many people have dreamed and searched about the existence of another planet harboring life, think about Mars. For now, we have the mysterious and exciting Gliese 12b which increases scientists’ hope, which is important to increase their curiosity and motivation. Their continued research, testing and exploration is what (one day) might help us understand more about life in the universe. What do you think? Is there another planet out there that is full of life?