Astronomers Discover Earth-sized Exoplanet

[Webster]

(The Guardian) Astronomers discover Earth-sized exoplanet
Researchers using Nasa’s James Webb space telescope have for the first time confirmed the existence of an exoplanet, a planet that orbits another star. Formally classified as LHS 475 b, the planet is almost exactly the same size as our own, clocking in at 99% of Earth’s diameter.


The space telescope has also given insight into the birth of stars at “cosmic noon” with a newly released image of the NGC 346 cluster.

 

[SpookyZalost]

So here's my problem with LHS 475b. First it may be earth sized but spectrographic analysis shows it to be an airless rock. Second It's tidally locked with a surface temp of over 900 degress kelvin. So it's earth sized but nobody could possibly live there.
As for the positives it's orbiting at an inclination of about 87 degrees to the star's equator. That's unusual as most planets tend to form and remain roughly 2 to 15 degrees inclined at most and is usually an indicator of something else in the system affecting the orbits of a planet or object.
I suspect there may have been or currently may be a planet of similar or greater mass to LHS 475b in the system. If it's not there than it's more than likely a rogue planet or may have been caused by a close pass with another star. Either way it's an intriguing mystery.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

So here's my problem with LHS 475b. First it may be earth sized but spectrographic analysis shows it to be an airless rock. Second It's tidally locked with a surface temp of over 900 degress kelvin. So it's earth sized but nobody could possibly live there.
As for the positives it's orbiting at an inclination of about 87 degrees to the star's equator. That's unusual as most planets tend to form and remain roughly 2 to 15 degrees inclined at most and is usually an indicator of something else in the system affecting the orbits of a planet or object.
I suspect there may have been or currently may be a planet of similar or greater mass to LHS 475b in the system. If it's not there than it's more than likely a rogue planet or may have been caused by a close pass with another star. Either way it's an intriguing mystery.

So the only thing we have in common is size?

 

[SpookyZalost]

So the only thing we have in common is size?

Exactly... It's actually far more common than you think. It's just that we needed more precision to detect stuff like this.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Exactly... It's actually far more common than you think. It's just that we needed more precision to detect stuff like this.

You think there is another planet out there with the perfect living conditions for human life?

 

[SpookyZalost]

You think there is another planet out there with the perfect living conditions for human life?

Perfect? well life is a pretty broad concept... theoretically venus could have life. Europa could have life. In fact for an earth twin you need life to make the planet idyllic for itself. But could there be other planets like earth out there? Exactly like earth... no, but similar yes. approximately 1 billion in the milky way alone in theory.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Perfect? well life is a pretty broad concept... theoretically venus could have life. Europa could have life. In fact for an earth twin you need life to make the planet idyllic for itself. But could there be other planets like earth out there? Exactly like earth... no, but similar yes. approximately 1 billion in the milky way alone in theory.

If we found the perfect planet, would you want to go there?

 

[SpookyZalost]

If we found the perfect planet, would you want to go there?

no question. My dream is to be a colonist.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

no question. My dream is to be a colonist.

I'll go with you!