Astronomers have discovered a potentially habitable planet
Astronomers have used the Very Large Telescope (VLT) to study the planets around the star L 98-59. According to their characteristics, they resemble the planets of the inner solar system, according to Astronomy & Astrophysics.
In the course of observations, scientists were able to find a planet containing only half the mass of Venus – the lightest of all that could be measured using the method of radial velocity. They also noticed the “watery” world.
The planetary system was designated L 98-59. It is important that it is located only 35 light years from Earth.
Scientists have determined that three planets may contain water in the interior or atmosphere. Two objects close to the star are likely to contain little moisture. But the third consists of oceans by 30% (for comparison – the terrestrial oceans make up only 0.02% of the total mass of the planet).
In addition, the team discovered “hidden” exoplanets that had not previously been seen in this system. They have established the presence of a fourth planet and assume the presence of a fifth.
The hypothetical fifth planet is located in the habitable zone of the star. Scientists believe that liquid water may be on its surface.
“A planet in the habitable zone can have an atmosphere that can protect and support life,” the authors of the scientific work noted.
The team hopes to continue exploring the system with NASA / ESA / CSA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which will be launched in the coming years. Earlier it was reported that the closest exoplanet to the Earth was discovered. It orbits the star in over a million years.
