preface
Ever since humans discovered the Earth and realized its peculiarities, they have embarked on a journey of exploration in search of other planets in the universe. Especially with the continuous development of science and technology, human exploration of outer space is getting deeper and deeper, and in this process, the most attractive thing is the discovery of exoplanets.
There is no doubt that the Earth is the only planet in the universe that can give birth to life, but astronomers have always believed that the Earth is not the only planet with life, and that there may be other planets in this vast universe that can give birth to life.
Astronomers have been looking for a second Earth in the universe, and what they mean by "Earth" is not only a planet similar in shape and size, but more importantly, this planet should also have a similar temperature and atmospheric environment to the Earth, so that it may become a "substitute" for the Earth, so as to accommodate and nurture life.
Find a second Earth in the universe
The reason why the Earth can become the home of the universe is inextricably linked to the solar system in which it is located, and the most important factors in these connections are distance and temperature.
It is precisely because the distance between the earth and the sun is just right that the surface temperature of the earth can be maintained within the range suitable for the existence of life, thus becoming the planet in the universe that supports life.
When astronomers search for a second Earth in the universe, they focus on exoplanets in other galaxies, especially rocky planets that resemble Earth.
In other galaxies outside the solar system, there are indeed some rocky planets, which are very similar in size and volume to the earth, and whether these planets are suitable for life still needs to be further observed and verified.
Temperature is key in the habitable zone
When we are looking for a second Earth in the universe, why do we have to consider temperature as an important factor? The reason for this is actually inseparable from water.
Water is the basis of the existence of life, and in order for water to exist in liquid form, it is necessary to have a suitable temperature, so as to meet the chemical reaction of water, so as to provide conditions for the existence of life.
Once the temperature is too high or too low, it will affect the existence of water, and even threaten the existence of life. When astronomers are looking for exoplanets in other galaxies, they must consider the habitable zone location of these planets, that is, the radiation range of the host star.
To ensure that these planets are at the right temperature, many factors need to be taken into account, such as the size and type of host star, as well as the state of the planet's own atmosphere. Only when these factors are ideal can there be a planet with the right temperature, which is what we call "Earth 2.0".
Gliese-12b或成为地球2.0
Not long ago, astronomers discovered an exoplanet that may be similar to Earth, and its name is Gliese-12b. Compared to Earth, Gliese-12b is undoubtedly a very special existence, and from the external conditions, it seems to have the potential to become "Earth 2.0".
Gliese-12b is very close to its host star, which is itself a very small, cool red dwarf, so even if it is close, it will not cause Gliese-12b to suffer from high temperatures.
Through its observation and calculation, scientists found that the surface temperature of Gliese-12b is about 42°C, which is a little higher than that of Earth, but it is still within the range that humans can bear.
What excites scientists the most is that Gliese-12b has an almost identical radius to Earth, which means that it is likely to be a rocky planet similar to Earth, and the temperature difference between it and Earth is very small, in which case liquid water may indeed be found on its surface.
Further observations and studies are needed to fully confirm whether Gliese-12b is suitable for life, and this work will likely be done by relying on the James · Webb space telescope.
epilogue
"Earth 2.0" may already be in front of our eyes, but it is hidden in the distant stars, and it will take the hard work and wisdom of countless scientists to find it.
Regardless of the final outcome, it is a very proud and fortunate thing to be able to participate in this great exploration undertaking, and perhaps there will be more unexpected gains and discoveries in the process.
I hope that scientists can find the second "Earth" in the universe as soon as possible, and I also hope that one day, human beings can truly embark on an interstellar journey to explore the unknown world in those distant galaxies and meet other intelligent life.