Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Newly Discovered Earth-Like Planet Gliese 12 b Could Support Human Life, Study Finds

New Earth Like Planet Gliese 12b Support Human Life

Scientists have discovered a new planet that may be able to support human life, according to a recent study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 

The planet, named Gliese 12 b, is being hailed as the “nearest, transiting temperate, Earth-sized planet found to date,” offering exciting possibilities for future space exploration.

Discovery and Characteristics of Gliese 12 b

An international team of scientists discovered Gliese 12 b using NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). This exoplanet, meaning it is located outside of our solar system, orbits a small, cool red dwarf star approximately 40 light years away. 

Gliese 12 b is slightly smaller than Earth and has an estimated surface temperature around 50°F warmer than Earth’s, which makes it potentially habitable.

Comparisons to Earth and Venus

The planet’s proximity to its star results in a year that lasts just 12.8 Earth days. Despite its closeness to the star, Gliese 12 b receives about 1.6 times more energy from its star than Earth does from the sun. 

Scientists have drawn comparisons between Gliese 12 b and Venus, often dubbed Earth’s “twin” due to their similar sizes and compositions. 

However, Gliese 12’s temperate conditions make it more akin to Earth in terms of habitability potential.

Potential for Human Habitability

The primary factor determining whether Gliese 12 b could support human life is its atmosphere. Scientists need to establish whether the planet has an atmosphere similar to Earth’s that could contain water, essential for sustaining life. 

“Thrillingly, this planet is the closest Earth-sized and highest-temperature planet we know,” said Thomas Wilson, one of the study’s authors. 

The planet’s temperate conditions and Earth-like size make it a prime candidate for further atmospheric studies.

Challenges in Reaching Gliese 12 b

Despite the promising characteristics of Gliese 12 b, reaching it poses a significant challenge. 

At 40 light years away, our current fastest spacecraft would take approximately 300,000 years to reach the planet. 

This distance underscores the importance of continued advancements in space travel technology and further exploration of nearby exoplanets.

The Role of Red Dwarf Stars

Gliese 12 b orbits a red dwarf star, which plays a crucial role in its potential habitability. 

Red dwarfs are known for their magnetic activity, which can result in powerful X-ray flares. However, initial analysis indicates that Gliese 12’s star shows no signs of extreme behavior, making it a stable environment for the planet. 

The storminess of a star is a key factor in whether a planet can retain an atmosphere conducive to life.

Next Steps in Research

The next step for scientists is to conduct a detailed examination of Gliese 12’s atmosphere. This will involve determining whether the planet has a thin, cloud-like atmosphere that could support life or if it lacks an atmosphere altogether. 

The findings from these studies could provide invaluable insights into the habitability pathways of planets and the evolution of our own solar system.

Implications for Future Space Exploration

The discovery of Gliese 12 b is significant not only for its potential to support human life but also for advancing our understanding of Earth-like planets across the galaxy. 

“Detecting one so nearby is really exciting because it allows us to do follow-up analysis of the atmosphere, so we will be able to learn a lot more about it,” said Larissa Palethorpe from the University of Edinburgh. 

As scientists continue to explore and analyze exoplanets like Gliese 12 b, we move closer to answering fundamental questions about the existence of life beyond Earth and the potential for human colonization of other planets.

Final thoughts 

The discovery of Gliese 12 b represents a significant milestone in the search for habitable exoplanets. With its Earth-like size and temperate conditions, this newly found planet offers promising potential for supporting human life. 

While there are challenges ahead, particularly in terms of distance and technological advancements, the continued study of Gliese 12 b could unlock new possibilities for future space exploration and our understanding of the universe.

 

The Information is Taken from Time Magazine and SKY News


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

Rise of Blockchain in Global Money Transfers
How Blockchain Is Disrupting Cross-Border Payments
whatutalkingboutwillis gift
Ultimate Whatutalkingboutwillis Gift Guide For The Perfect Present
bappam tv
Stream Telugu Movies on Bappam TV: Watch Bappam Telugu Movies Online
Circular Economy
The Circular Economy Explained: Why It Matters in 2025
hearthstats interesting news
Hearthstats Interesting News: Latest Updates And Real-Time Hearthstone Updates

LIFESTYLE

whatutalkingboutwillis gift
Ultimate Whatutalkingboutwillis Gift Guide For The Perfect Present
Smart Skincare
What Smart Skincare Looks Like in a World of Overload
Swim Academy in Amman
How to Choose the Right Swim Academy in Amman?
Shopping in Madrid
Shopping in Madrid: From Exclusive Boutiques to Vintage Markets: A Shopping Lover's Guide
how long does dermaplaning last
How Long Does Dermaplaning Last? All About Dermaplaning Duration

Entertainment

bappam tv
Stream Telugu Movies on Bappam TV: Watch Bappam Telugu Movies Online
doctor odyssey disney sexual harassment lawsuit
Doctor Odyssey Crew Sues Disney Over On-Set Sexual Harassment
Taylor Swift Buys Back Her First 6 Albums’ Master Recordings
Taylor Swift Buys Back Her First 6 Albums’ Master Recordings
lainey wilson boyfriend
Lainey Wilson’s Boyfriend: Love Story That Will Surprise You
jasmine crockett net worth
Jasmine Crockett Net Worth: Congress Representative Crockett's Impressive $9 Million in 2025

GAMING

Parental Guide for Kid-Friendly Gaming
Parental Guide to Safe and Age-Appropriate Gaming for Kids
How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
Gaming for Mental Health: How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
unblocked games granny
Play Granny Unblocked: Online Game Fun With Unblocked Games Granny
PC vs Console Gaming
PC vs Console Gaming: Which One Should You Choose?
Guide to Building a Custom Gaming PC
Beginner’s Guide to Building a Custom Gaming PC

BUSINESS

Circular Economy
The Circular Economy Explained: Why It Matters in 2025
Rise of Urban Micro-Fulfillment Centers
The Rise of Urban Micro-Fulfillment Centers: What It Means for E-Commerce
ftasiastock technology news
Breaking Ftasiastock Technology News: Supply Chain Insights Unveiled
Digital Nomad Taxes
Digital Nomad Taxes Explained: How to Legally Save Thousands in 2025
AI and Drones in Last-Mile Delivery
How AI and Drones Are Revolutionizing Last-Mile Delivery in 2025

TECHNOLOGY

Rise of Blockchain in Global Money Transfers
How Blockchain Is Disrupting Cross-Border Payments
Anthropic Launches Voice Chat for Claude Mobile Users
Anthropic Launches Real-Time Voice Chat for Claude Mobile Users
Instagram Story Viewer Tools
Instagram Story Viewer Tools That Actually Work in 2025
Protect Yourself from Data Breaches
How to Protect Yourself from Data Breaches?
AI Portraits
Retro Royalty: Design AI Portraits of Imaginary Kings and Queens

HEALTH

How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
Gaming for Mental Health: How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
Meaning in the Everyday
Moments that Change: Do We See the Meaning in the Everyday?
Tighten Your Skin After Losing Weight
5 Ways to Tighten Your Skin After Losing Weight
Physician Contract Negotiations
What Are the Common Red Flags in Physician Contract Negotiations?
Who Benefits Most from In-Home Care Services
Who Benefits Most from In-Home Care Services