Newest exoplanet close enough to study its potential atmosphere

In summary, GJ 1132b is an Earth-sized planet located only 39 light-years away. Although it is too hot to support carbon-based life, it is one of the best exoplanets for studying its atmosphere. If it has a significant atmosphere, it is likely to be Venus-like. However, it is possible for the planet to harbor life if it has low levels of greenhouse gases and a sub-surface ocean, similar to moons in our own solar system like Europa, Titan, and Enceladus. Despite its high radiation levels, sub-surface water on GJ 1132b could potentially support bacteria. Unexpected planets like GJ 1132b offer surprising possibilities for life.
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  • #2
I reviewed this paper earler today and it is quite interesting. Unfortunately, it is far too toasty to be a good candidate for carbon based life habitation. It is probably one of the best earthlike exoplanets near enough to study its atmosphere - which will be interesting enough in itself. I would expect it to be venus like, if it has a significant atmosphere- which appears likely.
 
  • #3
Yes. It's mostly going to be interesting because they may be able to study its atmo.
 
  • #4
Don't underestimate planets. If the planet has low levels of green house gases and harbors a sub surface ocean, it could potentially harbor some kind of life. Life on Earth is known to be able to survive high water temperatures as well.

I mean just consider our own solar system; moons like Europa, Titan, Enceladus, etc and even the planet Mars are all believed to possibly have life on them right now. Mars is believed to occasionally have liquid water on its surface and the sub surface lakes on oceans of the moons listed above are thought to be possible places for life to exist, especially Enceladus and Europa. Basically the point is that unexpected planets can offer surprising possibilities for life.
 
  • #5
At a radiation level 19 times that of earth, surface water is highly unlikely.
 
  • #6
Chronos said:
At a radiation level 19 times that of earth, surface water is highly unlikely.

Hence I am suggesting sub surface water like Europa or Enceladus or Titan or the underground aquifers of earth. Bacteria could exist in sub surface water aquifers at the poles or something--where its just cool enough to allow a kind of high temperature bacterium to survive.
 

FAQ: Newest exoplanet close enough to study its potential atmosphere

1. What is an exoplanet?

An exoplanet, also known as an extrasolar planet, is a planet that orbits a star outside of our solar system.

2. How do scientists study the atmosphere of exoplanets?

Scientists use various techniques to study the atmosphere of exoplanets, including spectroscopy, which involves analyzing the light emitted or reflected by the exoplanet to determine its composition.

3. What makes this newly discovered exoplanet noteworthy?

This exoplanet, known as HD 189733b, is noteworthy because it is close enough for scientists to study its potential atmosphere in detail, providing valuable insights into the composition and conditions of exoplanets.

4. What can studying the atmosphere of exoplanets tell us?

Studying the atmosphere of exoplanets can tell us about the planet's composition, temperature, and potential habitability. It can also give us clues about the formation and evolution of planetary systems.

5. What are some potential implications of studying this exoplanet's atmosphere?

Studying the atmosphere of this exoplanet can help us better understand the diversity of planetary systems and potentially identify other habitable exoplanets. It can also contribute to our understanding of the conditions necessary for life to exist on other planets.

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