The scientific community is buzzing with the excitement of discovering a new potential 'Earth candidate' in space. This rocky planet, named GJ 251c, stands out due to its location within the habitable zone. The planet, which is approximately 18 light-years away, may have the potential to harbor liquid water. Researchers suggest that this discovery could mark a significant turning point in the quest for life in space.
The planet GJ 251c, discovered through a collaborative study by researchers from Pennsylvania State University and the University of California, Irvine, is being described as a 'super Earth'. This planet, which possesses a mass approximately 3.8 times greater than our own, orbits a red dwarf star a third the size of our Sun.
GJ 251c could potentially harbor liquid water on its surface if it has a suitable atmosphere, due to its moderate conditions. Astronomer Suvrath Mahadevan states, 'This planet is one of our strongest candidates that could potentially support life.'
The discovery was made possible by the advanced spectrograph known as the 'Habitable Zone Planet Finder' (HPF), which is attached to the HobbyEberly Telescope at the McDonald Observatory. The HPF is capable of analyzing the gravitational effects of planets by precisely measuring starlight. The research team confirmed the existence of GJ 251c by tracking minor oscillations in the star's movements.
GJ 251c is considered one of the most promising among the thousands of exoplanets discovered so far. This is because it is both rocky in structure and located in the habitable zone. Moreover, it is close enough to be considered a cosmic neighbor, being only 18 light years away.