The recent revelation in the world of astronomy is the discovery of two exoplanets, identified as water worlds, orbiting a red dwarf star. It’s a groundbreaking finding made by a team of astronomers through data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes. The exoplanets are named Kepler-138c and Kepler-138d, and they are situated in a planetary system that is 218 light years away, in the constellation Lyra.
About Exoplanets Kepler-138c and Kepler-138d
The identification of these exoplanets as water worlds is a first in astronomical history. They are unlike any planets in our solar system, possessing unique characteristics. Kepler-138d completes one orbit around its star every 38 days and sits within the habitable zone where the right amount of heat from its star could allow liquid water to exist.
Composition of the Newly Identified Exoplanets
These twin worlds are made up of ingredients lighter than rock, such as what comprises Earth, but heavier than hydrogen or helium, like gas-giant planets such as Jupiter. This suggests that up to half of the mass of Kepler-138c and Kepler-138d might be water. Their volume is estimated to be about three times that of Earth and their mass two times larger.
Comparisons with Known Celestial Bodies
Kepler-138c and Kepler-138d are larger versions of Enceladus, Saturn’s moon, and Europa, Jupiter’s moon, with a density lower than Earth’s but comparable to these moons. Formerly, it was assumed that worlds slightly larger than Earth would likely have rocky features. However, these twin planets of roughly the same size and mass are found to be more massive than Earth but lighter than ice giants Uranus and Neptune. Their structure sets them apart from the planets in our solar system, which predominantly comprises of rocky planets like Earth and gas giants like Jupiter.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of Kepler-138c and Kepler-138d as water worlds can contribute significantly to the understanding of the universe. It presents an opportunity to fill the knowledge gap and stimulate further research to find more exoplanets with potential water presence. These revelations open up new possibilities for scientists to explore other galaxies for life-sustaining conditions, unlocking mysteries that have puzzled humankind for centuries.
Source of the Information
The information for this discovery was sourced from Down To Earth (DTE), a science and environment magazine, granting readers access to the latest advancements in the realm of astronomy and space research.