Astronomers have identified an Earth-sized planet, named HD 63433d, remarkably close to our own solar system. This newfound world represents the closest and smallest planet of Earth’s size ever detected. According to the Independent, scientists are excited about this proximity, offering an opportunity for a closer examination of a planet that might resemble a younger version of Earth.
The newly discovered planet's similarities to Earth are limited as it appears to be bound by its star (Reuters)
Melinda Soares-Furtado, a lead researcher from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States, notes the significance of HD 63433d. She believes it could mirror the conditions of early Earth, providing invaluable insights into its internal gas release patterns and magnetic field operations.
Scientists Find Earth-sized Planet Shockingly Nearby—The world – known as HD 63433d – is the closest and youngest Earth-sized world ever to be found. #solarsystem https://t.co/RgwEVgyHxy pic.twitter.com/fwm8uKhRfN
— System Publisher (@sypuber) January 16, 2024
Soares-Furtado raises intriguing questions about what information this close star and its busy planetary system can offer. This knowledge could be crucial as astronomers extend their search to over 100 similar stars in this young cluster.
However, similarities with Earth are limited. The newly discovered planet is tightly bound to its star, presenting a permanent one-sided face to it. This unique positioning results in extreme temperatures, potentially up to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit, and might cause volcanic lava flows on its surface.
Named for being the third planet found orbiting the star HD 63433, which is almost identical in size and type to our Sun but significantly younger, the planet is just 73 light-years away and visible through telescopes. Its discovery was made possible by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which has uncovered numerous exoplanets outside our solar system.
