ESO finds potentially Earth-like planet just 11 light years away

Posted on Wednesday, November 15 2017 @ 16:24 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) announced an exciting exoplanet find. Using the planet-spotting HARPS instruments, astronomers spotted a temperate planet around an inactive red dwarf star just 11 light years away from us.

Called Ross 128 b, this rocky planet is now the second-closest temperate planet to be discovered after Proxima b. But unlikely Proxima Centauri, which is a violent star with frequent and powerful stellar flares, Ross 128 b orbits a quieter star and has a better shot of being able to sustain life.

The astronomers estimate Ross 128 b may have surface temperatures similar to those of the Earth. The planet is believed to be about 30 percent larger than the Earth and it could have an atmosphere.
A temperate planet has been discovered only 11 light-years from Earth by a team using ESO’s unique planet-hunting HARPS instrument. The new world has the designation Ross 128 b and is now the second-closest temperate planet to be detected after Proxima b.

It is also the closest planet to be discovered orbiting an inactive red dwarf star, which may increase the likelihood that this planet could potentially sustain life. Ross 128 b will be a prime target for ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope, which will be able to search for biomarkers in the planet's atmosphere.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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