Scientists often keep searching for Earth-like planets in space. Recently, the US space agency NASA has discovered a planet whose mass is 4 times that of Earth. It is present on the outskirts of our galaxy. Scientists have named it ‘Ross 508 b’. Although it is also being called ‘Super Earth’.
37 light years away from planet earth
Planets outside our solar system are called exoplanets, so Ross 508 b is also an exoplanet. It is located 37 light years away from Earth. According to NASA, it orbits a star whose mass is one-fifth that of the Sun.
The name of this star is Red Dwarf. It is a much brighter red color, cooler and dimly lit than our Sun. Super Earth orbits it from a distance of 50 lakh kilometers. At the same time, if we talk about our solar system, the first planet Mercury is also located 60 million kilometers away from the Sun. In such a situation, the question arises whether life is possible on this exoplanet.
11 day one year on exoplanet
Since the distance between Ross 508 b and the red dwarf is very short, it takes only 10.8 days for an exoplanet to orbit the star. That is, one year here is equal to 11 days. One year on Earth is equal to 365 days.
Subaru telescope discovered
Ross 508b is the first exoplanet discovered by Japan’s Subaru Strategic Program. It has been seen with the help of Subaru telescope. Its technology has been developed by the Astrobiology Center of Japan.
Is life possible on exoplanet?
According to NASA, the surface of Ross 508 b may be more rocky than Earth. Its orbit is elliptical, meaning it is not always at the same distance from the star. According to scientists, such a planet may be capable of retaining water on its surface. However, more research is needed on whether water or life actually flourishes here.
Layla