A peculiar sub-Neptune orbiting the red dwarf star TOI-2257 may be home to extraterrestrial life.
Research led by astronomer Nicole Schanche from the University of Bern (Switzerland) indicates that the mysterious planet orbiting TOI-2257 lies entirely within the habitable zone of its parent star, potentially possessing liquid water and many conditions suitable for life to thrive.
This is a “sub-Neptune,” meaning it is a gas planet smaller than Neptune, with an orbital period of 35.19 days, named TOI-2257b.
Graphic depiction of the newly discovered planet and the red dwarf star nurturing it.
After identifying it from data collected by NASA’s “exoplanet hunter” TESS, scientists utilized additional data from several ground-based observatories to gather substantial information about this intriguing world.
According to Sci-News, its parent star is an M3-type red dwarf located in the Camelopardalis constellation, measuring only 31% the size of the Sun and considerably cooler.
Consequently, the short orbital period of TOI-2257b inadvertently places it firmly within the “habitable zone” of its parent star, receiving just the right amount of energy to potentially allow for liquid water.
However, there are some obstacles: it is a gas planet with high atmospheric pressure, which is not conducive to life. Its slightly elongated elliptical orbit also causes extreme seasonal temperature variations, dropping to as low as -80 degrees Celsius and rising to as high as 100 degrees Celsius. Of course, these are average figures, and some regions on the planet may maintain friendlier temperatures.
To determine if life can exist there, scientists will have to wait for more advanced observational tools to hope for more specific signs.
Another intriguing revelation from this new planet is that its elliptical orbit suggests it is being gravitationally influenced by a massive hidden object lurking in the darkness beyond its parent star—possibly an unobserved giant planet.
This study was recently published in Astronomy & Astrophysics.
