The discovery of two new planets 12 light years from Earth and the expectations of water

Abu Dhabi – Youth

Astronomers have revealed that two Earth-like planets are only 12 light-years away from the planet, orbiting a tiny star that may contain liquid water and possibly a form of life. The area that supports life, such as the one where the Earth revolves around the sun, was discovered by the Thalar Alto observatory in Spain in June.

According to the scientific press, the two planets orbiting Tigard, at 12.5 light-years from Earth, lend themselves well to the presence of liquid water on their surface because of the need for it. atmosphere. According to scientists, the planets "B" and "C", belonging to the star Tigarden, support the existence of water on them, even if they do not know the shape of the l '. atmosphere.

The scientists argue that even though the atmosphere of the planets is relatively thin, compared to the atmosphere of the Earth, or if it is much warmer, these two worlds can still be viable and water .

The two planets orbit very close to their star, which means that the same side of each planet is still facing the Tigard, knowing that the planet B revolves around the star once every 5 days, while the cycle of the star ends every 11 days.

Tide

Some scientists argue that a phenomenon called "tidal locking" can accompany both planets, the same phenomenon that keeps the moon's side close to the Earth's surface, which means that one must ensure the continuation of tidal conditions, which helps sustain life on these. This type of climate is necessary for the availability of liquid water on them and thus supports the existence of life.

But NASA astrophysicist Jesse Christianensen, who did not participate in the ongoing study in New Scientist magazine, confirmed that the planets blocked by the tides could be obstacles to the future. 39, evolution of life. Some experts believe that the "day and night" cycle is vital for living organisms, which can not be lived in a world that always keeps the same side as its star. In addition, "tidal locking" could inhibit the planet's magnetic field, meaning that these bodies would be more vulnerable to harmful radiation than their host star.

But despite these concerns, "the two planets orbiting Tigard are very exciting," said Christiansen, noting that they would study them for a while and explore the possibilities of using water liquid.

The two planets, which follow the star Tigarden, were first detected in June 2019 by the so-called "Carmine survey" at the Thalar Alto Observatory. Tegarden, named after astronomer Bounard Tiegarden of NASA, is a red dwarf star whose light and energy are few compared to our sun.