A groundbreaking study by an Israeli-American research team has focused on four Earth-like exoplanets: LHS 1140 b, K2-18 b, TOI-1452 b, and TOI-1468 c, all located tens of light-years away from our solar system.
These planets, some up to four times the size of Earth, orbit cooler red dwarf stars. Supported by the Israel Science Foundation, the study delves into the planets' internal structures and surface temperatures to determine their potential to host life.
"The first step was calculating the internal composition of these rocky planets — iron core, rocky layer, and water layer — using advanced statistical analysis of global telescope data," explained Dr. Lev Tal-Or, a physicist at Ariel University. "The surprising conclusion was that, despite their similarities, each planet may have a different internal structure, with a high likelihood of liquid water on their surfaces, which could support life."
Two of the planets, K2-18 b and TOI-1468 c, with masses 6–10 times that of Earth, are classified as "mini-Neptunes" and likely possess dense atmospheres. K2-18 b's potential for liquid water hinges on the presence of a thick, hydrogen-rich atmosphere, though current data raises doubts about its habitability.
On the other hand, LHS 1140 b and TOI-1452 b, with masses 4–6 times Earth's, are likely rocky planets with minimal water. Recent observations from the James Webb Space Telescope of LHS 1140 b ruled out a thick hydrogen atmosphere, suggesting a nitrogen-carbon dioxide composition instead.
Ynet contributed to this article.
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