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...

  Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered if there are other Earths out there? Well, thanks to NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), we might be getting closer to an answer. Enter TOI-715b, a recently discovered exoplanet that has sent shivers of excitement down the spines of astronomers. Let's explore this "Super-Earth" and delve into its secrets! A Distant Address: A Red Dwarf Neighborhood TOI-715b calls a place 137 light-years away home. That's a mind-boggling distance! It orbits a cool, dim star designated TOI-715, a member of the M-dwarf class. These stars are smaller and cooler than our Sun, but they're also the most common type in the galaxy, making them prime real estate in the search for habitable worlds. But there's more to the story of M-dwarfs. They are known for stellar flares, intense bursts of radiation that could potentially harm any life on orbiting planets.  Future observations will be crucial to determine the...