The discovery of a new planetary system near Earth will blow your mind

Virgin Radio

17 Jun 2022, 09:46

Prepare to be amazed. Astronomers at MIT School of Science are punching the air as they have discovered a new multiplanet system just 33 light years away from Earth, meaning it's the nearest multiplanet system (that we know of) closest to us.

It's thought that even MORE planetary systems could be out there and scientists have now discovered 'more than 5,000 exoplanets orbiting distant suns'.

The multiplanet system is thought to host 'two terrestrial planets that orbit a small M-dwarf star' and its discovery means astronomers can now examine the planets closely and study their atmospheres.

Astronomers have confirmed that although the two planets appear to be similar to Earth, you won't find anyone living on them because the temperatures are too high to sustain liquid surface water, with the surface of the inner planet at 436 degrees celsius and the outer planet approximately 286 degree celsius.

Michelle Kunimoto, lead scientist and postdoc in MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, said: "We consider that range outside the habitable zone, too hot for liquid water to exist on the surface."

The inner planet, otherwise known as HD 260655b, 'orbits the star every 2.8 days and is around 1.2 times as big as the Earth, although it is more dense. The outer planet HD 260655c, orbits the star every 5.7 days and is 1.5 times as big as the Earth but is less dense'.

Kunimoto added: "Both planets in this system are each considered among the best targets for atmospheric study because of the brightness of their star. Is there a volatile-rich atmosphere around these planets? And are there signs of water or carbon-based species? These planets are fantastic test beds for those explorations."

Kunimoto continued: "Every planet orbiting a star is going to have a little gravitational pull on its star. What we’re looking for is any slight movement of that star that could indicate a planetary-mass object is tugging on it.”

We are literally star-struck.