SPACERIUM

The search for life beyond Earth has taken a major leap forward with the recent discovery of intriguing biosignatures on K2-18b , an exoplanet located about 120 light-years away in the constellation Leo . Scientists have found promising indications of potential life , sparking global excitement within the astronomical and astrobiological communities. Let’s dive into what makes K2-18b so fascinating, what scientists discovered, and how we are detecting the signs of possible life on this distant world. What is K2-18b? K2-18b is a super-Earth or mini-Neptune —a type of exoplanet that lies between Earth and Neptune in size. It orbits within the habitable zone of its red dwarf star, K2-18 , where temperatures might allow for liquid water to exist. Key facts about K2-18b: Distance from Earth : ~120 light-years Radius : ~2.6 times that of Earth Mass : ~8.6 times Earth’s mass Orbital Period : ~33 days Atmosphere : Hydrogen-rich Its relatively cool star a...

  The vastness of the cosmos has always been a realm of curiosity, with countless stars harboring their own planetary systems. One such fascinating system belongs to the star HR 8799 , a landmark in exoplanetary research. Recently, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) added a new chapter to this cosmic saga by detecting carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere of one of HR 8799's exoplanets. This discovery not only showcases the advanced capabilities of the JWST but also opens up intriguing questions about the composition and evolution of exoplanetary atmospheres. The HR 8799 System: An Overview HR 8799 is a young, massive A-type star located approximately 133 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Pegasus. Known for being one of the first star systems with directly imaged exoplanets, HR 8799 hosts a dynamic family of four gas giants: HR 8799 b, c, d, and e. These exoplanets are massive, ranging from 5 to 10 times the mass of Jupiter, and they orbit their parent star at d...

  Imagine a world whipped by scorching winds, racing around its sun in just over two days. That's Gliese 436b , or Awohali as it was recently named, a captivating exoplanet that defies everything we know about our solar system. Buckle up, space adventurers, because we're diving into a world of hot ice, glass rain, and a tail that would make any comet jealous! A Distant Dance: Awohali's Stellar Address Awohali orbits the red dwarf star Gliese 436, located a staggering 31.9 light-years away in the constellation Leo . Light travels at an incredible speed, but even at that pace, it takes over 31 years to reach us from Awohali! To put that in perspective, the closest star to our Sun, Proxima Centauri, is a mere 4.2 light-years away. This vast distance highlights the immense scale of our universe and the challenges of studying these distant worlds. A Speedy Orbit: A Close Embrace and Breakneck Speed Unlike our eight-planet solar system, Awohali is locked in a tight embrace wit...

  We have explored many exoplanets, we have seen many unique and mysterious exoplanets, but this one is something different. I don't think any of you would not like cotton candy! So, we have found a similar planet which would be appropriate to call "The Cotton Candy Planet" this is WASP - 193b, it is so light that its mass is not even 10% of Jupiter, and it is orbiting very close to its star Have you ever dreamt of a planet made entirely of cotton candy? A world where fluffy pink clouds stretched as far as the eye could see, just waiting to be plucked and devoured (sugar crash not included, of course)? Well, buckle up space cadets, because astronomers might have just found the next best thing: WASP-193b, the so-called "Cotton Candy Planet"! Lost in Space (But Not Lost in the Stars): Unlike your local candy store, WASP-193b isn't exactly around the corner. This fluffy giant resides a whopping 850 light-years away in the constellation Sextans. That's a cos...

Discovery of exoplanet 55 Cancri E Introduction: Embark on an interstellar adventure as we unravel the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic exoplanet 55 Cancri e. This celestial body, situated within the Cancer constellation, has captivated astronomers with its fiery nature and peculiar characteristics. Join us as we delve into the discovery, historical context, intricate details, and the cosmic address of 55 Cancri e, a celestial furnace ablaze with cosmic wonder. Part 1: Celestial Detectives at Work - The Discovery of 55 Cancri E The celestial narrative of 55 Cancri e commences with the astute work of astronomers employing cutting-edge technologies. In the early 21st century, the radial velocity method played a crucial role in detecting subtle oscillations in the star 55 Cancri A. These minute variations hinted at the presence of an unseen companion, ultimately revealing the existence of the scorching exoplanet 55 Cancri e. Part 2: Echoes of Time - The Historical Evolution of 55 Cancr...