Astronomers have discovered a fascinating exoplanet named Gliese 12 b, a rare type of planet known as an “exo-Venus”. Located a mere 40 light-years from Earth, it falls between the sizes of our planet and Venus. Despite their similar sizes, astronomers believe planets of this size are prevalent in our galaxy, but they are challenging to detect due to their relatively small size compared to the more commonly discovered gas giants.
Gliese 12 b exhibits intriguing similarities to Earth, possessing a temperature range estimated at 42°C (107°F), significantly cooler than most discovered exoplanets. However, this estimation assumes the planet lacks an atmosphere, which could significantly alter its temperature. Researchers are eager to determine the presence of an atmosphere not only for its implications on the planet’s potential habitability but also to gain insights into the development of atmospheres around rocky planets.
Understanding the atmospheric characteristics of Gliese 12 b is crucial for comprehending how Earth-sized planets orbiting cool stars retain or lose their atmospheres. It plays a pivotal role in expanding our knowledge of planetary habitability across our galaxy.
Another captivating area of research revolves around the divergence between Earth and Venus. Despite their similarities in size and distance from the Sun, these planets have dramatically different environments. Studying Gliese 12 b may unravel the factors responsible for this divergence and shed light on the prevalence of Earth-like or Venus-like outcomes.
Gliese 12 b joins a select group of temperate planets comparable to Earth that are sufficiently close for detailed study using transmission spectroscopy with existing facilities. Expanding the sample size of such planets through discoveries like Gliese 12 b is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric diversity and the evolutionary paths of these celestial bodies.
