SPECULOOS-3b: A Planet the Size of Earth Orbiting an Ultra-Cold Dwarf Star.
According to Science Alert, in a region of space just 55 light-years away from Earth, scientists have discovered a unique star system centered around an ultra-cold dwarf star named SPECULOOS-3.
SPECULOOS-3 is slightly larger than Jupiter in our Solar System and is nearly devoid of warmth by the standards of a star.
The ultra-cold dwarf star SPECULOOS-3 (left) and its Earth-like planet – (Graphic: NASA).
The diameter of this star is only 12.3% that of our Sun, while its mass is about 10%.
Adding to the intrigue, orbiting this Jupiter-like star is an Earth-like planet named SPECULOOS-3b, which has just been fortuitously discovered.
According to a team led by planetary scientist Julien de Wit from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), ultra-cold dwarfs are often very active, frequently erupting, making them observable despite their small size.
Thanks to the power of the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have taken a step further by observing the dark planet alongside it.
This Earth copy is very close to its parent star. Therefore, even though SPECULOOS-3 is cool and dim, SPECULOOS-3b is still bathed in harsh radiation.
This planet is exposed to radiation nearly 16 times greater than that of Earth, which leaves it almost barren, lacking an atmosphere.
For this reason, despite SPECULOOS-3b being Earth-sized and rocky, it is very difficult for it to sustain life.
However, the identification of such a planet around an ultra-cold dwarf star has provided a foundation for scientists to optimize methods for screening habitable planets.
The discovery of SPECULOOS-3b also demonstrates the telescope network’s capability to handle upcoming tasks admirably.
This promises to shed light on other ultra-cold dwarfs, a type of world that scientists believe may have a “habitable zone” around them.
We will need an Earth-like planet such as SPECULOOS-3b, but a bit farther away, far enough to avoid the harsh radiation and have suitable surface temperatures.
