UNITED STATES: The worldwide exoplanet hunt has remained focused on discovering another planet like Earth that contains the elements of life required for human survival.
International astronomers have been searching for unusual planets outside of our solar system where mankind might one day advance.
The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has aided the mission to discover more exoplanets.
The Hubble telescope, which is still in use, was the most potent observatory partner launched into orbit, and it started relaying its first cosmic photographs in July.
The $10 billion telescope’s primary objective is to investigate the star-life cycle. Exoplanets, or planets outside the solar system of Earth, are a major area of investigation as well.
The most recent planet, HD 109833 b, was found in 2022 by astronomers.
It is an exoplanet that resembles Neptune and revolves around a G-type star. By employing the transit technique, the astronomers located it.
Recent research indicates that two exoplanets may contain a large amount of water.
Water wasn’t directly found, but by comparing the sizes and masses of the planets to models, scientists come to the conclusion that up to half of their content should be formed of substances that are heavier than hydrogen or helium (which constitute the bulk of gas giant planets like Jupiter) but lighter than rock.
Water is the most prevalent of these potential materials. Exoplanets are a diverse group of worlds in terms of their make-up and features. Some are tiny and rocky, while others resemble Earth quite a bit.
NASA stated in a tweet: “Less than 5,000 exoplanets had been confirmed as the year began.” “As of the end, 5,235 planets were known. Earth and Mars are rocky planets that make up about 4% of the solar system. What surprises will the new year hold? further planets!”
NASA stated in a tweet that fewer than 5,000 exoplanets were tallied as the year began. But as the year ended, the total increased to 5,235.
Rocky planets like Mars and Earth are about 4% of these newly discovered exoplanets. NASA also expects to discover more exoplanets this year.
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