The curiosity of the human being is an aspect that has no limit. From time immemorial, the desire to know the cosmos is related to it, as well as answering the question… are we really alone in the universe? Much has been said about it, being cataloged as a controversial issue that, for now, only has little supported hypotheses. However, the intense search for a new Earth seeks to find a relief on the most important unknown of existence. The various space missions have brought with them several encouraging results, keep reading about it.
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What is known about a New Earth? Is it possible to live on another planet? Clear your doubts!
Source: Very Interesting
Certain space missions, such as the launch of the Kepler Observatory, have had the purpose of searching for new planets similar to Earth. In fact, the final result of the investigation, before its final failure, revealed new premises for better or for worse.
The mission itself did not reveal exactly how many exoplanets or planets beyond the sun orbiting their own star similar to Earth existed. But there were several potential candidates, although the findings favored towards the tendency to be similar to Jupiter with an atmosphere and hot elements.
However, all was not lost for the success of finding a new Earth. Among the direct candidates to be considered a potential replacement for Earth, Kepler-186f is found. The characteristics determined by the observation of the exoplanet through the Kepler telescope, augur good vibes regarding the subject.
In fact, the data collected by the Kepler Observatory allowed the Harvard Smithsonian Center to draw its own conclusions. According to their figures, there may be more than 15 million planets with characteristics similar to Earth capable of supporting life.
Of course, despite being quite precise calculations and hypotheses, there is still a long way to go to potentially confirm or deny them on a new Earth. In addition to this, to be considered a potentially habitable planet, it must meet a series of strict requirements.
In particular, as they lie orbiting their own Sun-like parent star, they must be far enough apart to support life. This point is known as the "habitable zone" who must be at a balanced distance, not too hot and not too cold.
Feel like in NASA. Be amazed with the criteria to consider an exoplanet as a New Earth!
The scientific community has established a series of parameters to consider an exoplanet as a celestial body similar to Earth. Among them, the IST stands out first, whose acronym indicates "Index of Similarity with the Earth". It is nothing more than a calculation that allows evaluating how analogous a planet is in relation to Earth.
Is size essential?
Addition IS, a parameter that determines whether a planet is considered a New Earth, is its size and dimensions. Going back to Physics classes, gravity is measured proportionally to the mass of a body. Therefore, the larger, the greater its gravitational attraction and vice versa.
A habitable planet capable of supporting life needs a balance between both aspects. If the mass of it turns out to be small, eventually the contained water will be lost. Likewise, a larger than normal size and mass generate the consolidation of a more concentrated atmosphere, capable of producing a greenhouse effect.
Not everything is hot or cold
The fact that a planet is cold or hot is not exactly what is evaluated in relation to a New Earth. That is, in general, an ideal temperature must be determined. Furthermore, it is necessary to identify how it varies in relation to the physical characteristics that interact in the planet's atmosphere.
A functional and optimal star
Any planet that is capable of supporting life must orbit a star similar to the sun, to provide certain essential elements. However, you must also meet a number of prerequisites.
By way of review, the larger the mass of a star, the shorter its lifespan. Similarly, its radiation, luminescence and heat are such that they prevent any kind of life. On the other hand, red and orange dwarfs, considered smaller, younger and more powerful, are conducive to leading planetary systems capable of containing life.
In addition, a good atmosphere is required
As is well known, the Earth's atmosphere It is composed of a series of gases and complex elements. necessary for intelligent life. The most abundant are nitrogen and oxygen, being practically essential for the development of life.
In addition to this, a good atmosphere must be supported by the conventional processes of photosynthesis and all those associated with microorganisms. Therefore, it is a combination of several factors that until now has not been repeated on any other planet.
Fascinating discoveries. These are other planets called to be a New Earth!
Source: El ComercioNot only Kepler's discoveries were associated with new potentially habitable planets, nor were they the last to come to light. The space missions destined to fulfill this objective, gradually continued to be deployed.
Currently, it has concrete evidence that approximately 55 exoplanets they have characteristics similar to Earth according to the IST. Without a doubt, they are fascinating discoveries in favor of finding a future way out for humanity.
The best 3 potentially habitable planets at your disposal!
First of all, accompanying the maximum discovery of the Kepler observatory, Proxima Centauri B is found. It has been the subject of different debates, although in general terms, it has a suitable temperature, area, mass and surface for life with the possibility of water.
Following in its wake is TRAPPIST-1e, a new Earth located within a planetary complex much like the solar system. Comparatively, its mass is greater than that of the human planet, although the area where it lives is ideal for containing water.
Under the IST, another of the greatest candidates to be a new Earth, is Gliese 667 Cc, officially detected and confirmed in February 2011. It is a rocky planet with an ideal temperature, far from its star in a habitable zone perfect for extraterrestrial life.