Scientists Discover New Planet Which Could Support Human Life If We Can Reach It

Scientists using data from NASA satellites have made an exciting discovery: a new planet that could support humans, assuming we can actually get there.

This new planet, described as 'the closest Earth-sized and temperature planet we know'.

The planet was found by scientists from the University of Warwick in the UK, working together with researchers from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The planet has been named 'Gliese 12 b'. It orbits its own version of the sun, which is a cool red dwarf called Gliese 12.

Scientists used NASA's TESS satellite to help learn about the planet Adrian Mann/Future Publishing via Getty Images

The planet completes its orbit every 12.8 days, resulting in some pretty short years.

While any potential inhabitants might need to tone down the New Year's Eve celebrations, scientists have pointed out that the planet is similar in size to Earth and is 'one of the few known rocky planets where humans could theoretically survive'.

Warwick astrophysicist Dr. Thomas Wilson, who played a role in the discovery, shared the importance of the find in a press release.

He stated: “This is a really exciting discovery and will help our research into planets similar to Earth across our Galaxy.”

“Thrillingly, this planet is the closest Earth-sized and temperature planet we know.", he further said.

"The light we are seeing now is from 1984 (40 years ago) – that’s how long it has taken to reach us here on Earth."

The new planet is 40 light years from Earth Getty Stock Photo

Wilson continued: “Planets like Gliese 12 b are very few and far between, so for us to be able to examine one this closely and learn about its atmosphere and temperature is very rare.”

The planet's surface temperature is estimated to be around 42 degrees Celsius, so it might not be ideal for those who prefer cooler climates.

However, if we ever need to leave Earth behind to move to a new planet, it's likely that our current planet wouldn't be in great shape either.

The major challenge is that Gliese 12 b is located in the constellation Pisces, which is about 40 light years away.

This means that traveling there would require a lot more than just a few snacks and a good playlist.

Scientists have not yet determined what the atmosphere of Gliese 12 b looks like. An important factor in retaining an atmosphere is the storminess of its star.

Red dwarfs are usually magnetically active, leading to frequent and powerful X-ray flares.

Humans could survive on the planet Planet Earth Maps Courtesy of NASA

However, scientists' analysis so far indicates that Gliese 12 shows no signs of extreme behavior.

Larissa Palethorpe, co-lead of the study and a doctoral student at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, said the discovery is a 'unique candidate for further atmospheric study.

This may help unlock some aspects of our own solar system’s evolution'.

She added: “Earth remains habitable, but Venus does not due to its complete loss of water.

Gliese 12 b’s atmosphere could teach us a lot about the habitability pathways planets take as they develop.”

This discovery opens up a new chapter in our search for Earth-like planets and could provide valuable insights into the future of space exploration.

Plus, who knows? Maybe one day, packing for a trip to Gliese 12 b will be just another item on our travel bucket list.