The recent discoveries by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) have unveiled a new record for the smallest planet named L 98-59b. Situated in orbit around a bright, cool, proximate star, this incredible celestial body is approximately 80% of Earth’s size. Its unique size positions it between the dimensions of Mars and Earth, resulting in it being about 10% smaller than the smallest planet previously discovered by TESS.
Planetary system of L 98-59
In addition to L 98-59b, the system also holds two other integral planets, L 98-59c and L 98-59d. Respectively, these planets are about 1.4 and 1.6 times the size of our home planet, Earth. The host star of L 98-59b, charmingly named “L 98-59,” is an M dwarf. These distinctive celestial bodies are much smaller and dimmer than our own Sun, which makes them invisible to the naked eye. However, despite their lack of luminosity, M dwarfs, commonly known as red dwarfs, comprise a whopping 70% of all stars in our galaxy. Furthermore, the L 98-59 host star is approximately one-third the mass of the Sun and resides about 35 light-years away in the southern constellation, Volans. None of the planets in this system fall within the star’s habitable zone, limiting their likelihood of hosting life.
A Record-Breaking Discovery and Comparative Observations
While L 98-59b represents a new record for the smallest planet discovered by TESS, its title is not unchallenged in the wider universe. Kepler satellite data has revealed even smaller planets, including Kepler-37b, which astonishingly is merely 20% larger than our Moon.
The Role of TESS in Space Exploration
TESS is a pivotal tool in furthering our understanding of the universe. Under the leadership of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and with seed funding from Google, the TESS mission aims to explore planets orbiting the brightest stars visible from Earth. Launched on April 18, 2018, via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, TESS will survey 200,000 of the brightest stars near the sun in the quest for transiting exoplanets.
Method of Detecting Exoplanets
TESS employs a cunning technique known as the transit method to detect exoplanets. This approach entails identifying apparent fluctuations in the visible light of stars, contingent on the planet or planets crossing in front of these stars along our line of sight to them. As such, repetitive and periodic dips are indicative of a planet or planets orbiting a given star.
Facts about L 98-59 Planetary System
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name of the smallest planet | L 98-59b |
| Size of L 98-59b compared to Earth | 80% of Earth’s size |
| Sizes of other planets in the system | L 98-59c is 1.4 times Earth’s size, L 98-59d is 1.6 times Earth’s size |
| Distance from Earth | 35 light-years away |
| Habitability | No planet in the system lies within the star’s habitable zone |
The Future of Space Exploration and TESS
The exploration of space is a ceaseless endeavor, continually revealing new and exciting discoveries. The role of TESS in this pursuit is vital, providing critical data to assist us in expanding our understanding of the unknown reaches of the universe.