Our solar system centers around our Sun, which is the star that sustains life on our planet. But our solar system is just one of the many planetary systems in the universe. With a billion trillions of stars, the possibility of other planetary systems that can support life is a reality. As such, there has been a lot of research on exoplanets, with much interest in Proxima b. Let’s talk about these planets and what makes them unique.

Unpacking Proxima b Discoveries

The Exoplanet Perspective

Earth revolves around the Sun, making it part of this solar system. But with many other stars in the universe, ours is not the only planetary system. There are other planets orbiting stars (other than the Sun) – these are known as exoplanets. Here are some facts about them:

  1. Not all orbit stars. Exoplanets fall into different categories. Some revolve around stars, while others float freely in space. They are all known as exoplanets, with the latter category also being known as rogue planets. As such, the term exoplanet refers to any planet that does not belong in our solar system.
  2. They are new in research. While scientists always knew that we had trillions of stars in the universe, exoplanets are a relatively new discovery. The first such planet was discovered in 1992. Scientists have made strides since then, discovering more than 5,500 planets to this day.
  3. They vary in size and composition. We have different planet categories. The first caters to the large planets whose sizes are similar to Jupiter – these mainly have helium and hydrogen. The second caters to planets that are much bigger than the Earth but smaller than Neptune – they can have rocky or gaseous surfaces. The third combines planets whose surfaces and sizes are similar to the Earth, while the fourth refers to planets smaller than Neptune but bigger than the Earth.
  4. Some might be habitable. Research into these planets is in the early stages. However, there are claims that these planets might prove suitable for different life forms if their temperatures and atmospheric conditions allow. There is a need to prove the existence of liquid water and a stable magnetic field before scientists can recommend life on these planets.

So far, Proxima b, Kepler-186f, and TRAPPIST-1 System have proven to be at the forefront of most studies. With more research, scientists are bound to discover even more planets with potentially more habitable conditions.

What Recent Discoveries Have Made the Headlines

As a new field of study, research into exoplanets has excited scientists who cannot help but seek new tidbits about the possibility of living outside our solar system. So, what has sparked more interest in this field?

The discovery of LHS 475 b

Planets are not the same, and some will have more significance than others. Such is the case with this planet. Not only is it almost the same size as Earth (99% of its diameter), but it also has a rocky surface – these characteristics have made it a good candidate for scientists who want to look into how these similarities could affect life on this planet.

The discovery of K1-18 b

Hycean exoplanets have been a focal point in recent studies, and the discovery of this planet has only fueled this interest. It measures 8.9* the size of Earth, and there is evidence to suggest that it could be an ocean-covered planet. What’s more, preliminary findings suggest the detection of methane and carbon dioxide on this planet, sparking conversations about its atmospheric conditions.

The discovery of new exoplanets

Besides the two above, scientists have now laid their eyes on the following planets, which have added to the ever-growing list of suitable planets:

  • HD 36384 b.
  • TOI-198 b.
  • TOI-2095 b.
  • TOI-2095 c.
  • TOI-4860 b.
  • MWC 758 c.

These planets allow scientists to further their work in habitability as they seek the answers to life on other planets.

The exomoon perspective

While the focus is often on stars and their orbiting planets, an international team has changed this narrative by uncovering tentative evidence of an exomoon. If confirmed, this could pave the way for research into such moons and their impact on their planetary systems.

Astronomers have also found evidence of a small exoplanet with a bigger companion, which has sparked interest in how planets like Earth come to be. So far, this exoplanet exhibits comparable features to that of Earth with a similar mass and radius coupled with a potential orbit of 146 days.

Is Proxima b the Answer

As scientists have discovered more planets, they have singled out those that seem to have the most promising features. Proxima b has especially been a topic of discussion due to its habitability. Since the planet orbits around the habitable zone of its red dwarf star, scientists predict that this could be a show of its potentially suitable temperatures. After all, such surface temperatures can result in the maintenance of liquid water, thus supporting different life forms. Additionally, scientists have yet to rule out the lack of a suitable atmosphere. As things stand, predictions point to an atmosphere whose features are similar to that of Earth. If this proves to be the case, the atmosphere will be instrumental in maintaining suitable surface temperatures while protecting the planet from harmful emissions and radiations – since Proxima Centauri (the star) has proven to have intense stellar flares, this protection will prove useful.

While some factors point to a potentially habitable planet, scientists and researchers have raised questions on the following:

  1. The high radiation levels. Like most red dwarf stars, Proxima Centauri has a high occurrence of intense stellar flames that emit radiation that can affect planet life. This radiation can adversely affect elements on the planet while destroying the atmosphere over time. Without proof of an atmosphere that can withstand such flares, living on this planet remains speculative.
  2. The extreme temperatures. The planet features tidal locking such that one side faces the star at all times while the other faces the other side. As such, one side is likely to have extremely low temperatures while the other may experience extremely high temperatures, which could affect the availability of liquid water. Scientists have countered this concern with the possibility that the mid-section could have moderate temperatures, but there is yet to be concrete evidence of this.

Recently, scientists discovered an increase in artificial lights coming from this planet, sparking debates about changes in the planet.

Conclusion

Discoveries about exoplanets have provided insights into a new world with possibilities for human life and other life forms. While they may be in the early stages, some planets, like Proxima b, could prove habitable, changing the world as we know it.