Daily Current Affairs : 21-May-2024

Astronomers at the University of Liège in Belgium have made a thrilling discovery—a new Earth-sized exoplanet, named SPECULOOS-3 b, positioned 55 light-years away. This exoplanet orbits an ultra-cool red dwarf star, a type of star much smaller and cooler than our Sun. Although the discovery is significant, it also raises questions about the planet’s habitability due to the extreme conditions on and around it.

What is an Exoplanet?

Exoplanets are planets that exist outside our solar system. These planets can orbit stars like our Sun or even roam freely through space without any star to orbit. Scientists have discovered thousands of exoplanets, and each one helps us understand more about planets, stars, and the possibility of life beyond Earth.

Red Dwarfs and Their Impact

The star that SPECULOOS-3 b orbits is a red dwarf, which is much smaller and cooler than the Sun. Red dwarfs are the smallest of the main sequence stars and are often much cooler than stars like the Sun. Specifically, this star is roughly the size of Jupiter and only half as hot as the Sun.

Due to this cooler temperature, the star emits intense radiation that could have a harmful effect on nearby planets. In the case of SPECULOOS-3 b, this radiation is likely stripping away its atmosphere, making the planet uninhabitable for life as we know it.

Extreme Conditions on SPECULOOS-3 b

  • Orbit: SPECULOOS-3 b completes one full orbit around its star every 17 hours. This is much faster than Earth’s orbit around the Sun, which takes a year.
  • Tidally Locked: The planet is tidally locked, meaning one side always faces the star, while the other side is in perpetual darkness. This causes extreme temperature differences between the day side and the night side.
  • Intense Radiation: The planet is bombarded by radiation from the red dwarf star, which likely prevents it from maintaining a stable atmosphere.

The SPECULOOS Project

The discovery of SPECULOOS-3 b is part of the ongoing SPECULOOS project, which is focused on studying ultra-cool dwarf stars. This project has previously uncovered other fascinating exoplanets, such as those in the TRAPPIST-1 system, which has raised hopes for finding life beyond Earth. However, SPECULOOS-3 b’s harsh environment suggests it is unlikely to support life.

Important Points:

  • Discovery of SPECULOOS-3 b: Astronomers at the University of Liège, Belgium, discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet, SPECULOOS-3 b, 55 light-years away, orbiting an ultra-cool red dwarf star.
  • Exoplanets: Exoplanets are planets located outside our solar system, orbiting other stars or roaming freely through space.
  • Red Dwarfs: The star that SPECULOOS-3 b orbits is a red dwarf, which is much smaller, cooler, and less luminous than the Sun. Specifically, the star is about the size of Jupiter and half as hot as the Sun.
  • Radiation Impact: Due to the star’s cooler temperature, it emits intense radiation that likely strips away the planet’s atmosphere, making it uninhabitable.
  • SPECULOOS-3 b’s Characteristics:
  • The planet completes one orbit around its star every 17 hours (much faster than Earth’s orbit of a year).
  • The planet is tidally locked, meaning one side always faces the star, while the other side is in perpetual darkness, causing extreme temperature differences.
  • The planet is bombarded by intense radiation from the red dwarf star, preventing it from maintaining a stable atmosphere.
  • SPECULOOS Project: The discovery of SPECULOOS-3 b is part of the SPECULOOS project, which studies ultra-cool dwarf stars and has previously discovered other notable exoplanets, including those in the TRAPPIST-1 system.
  • Harsh Environment: The extreme conditions on SPECULOOS-3 b suggest it is unlikely to support life, but the discovery provides valuable insights into the diversity of planets in the universe.

Why In News

Astronomers at the University of Liège in Belgium recently discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet, SPECULOOS-3 b, orbiting an ultra-cool red dwarf star located 55 light-years away. This discovery adds to the growing list of exoplanets found in distant star systems, offering new opportunities to study planets beyond our solar system.

MCQs about SPECULOOS-3 b Exoplanet

  1. Where is the exoplanet SPECULOOS-3 b located?
    A. 25 light-years away
    B. 55 light-years away
    C. 100 light-years away
    D. 200 light-years away
    Correct Answer: B. 55 light-years away
    Explanation: The exoplanet SPECULOOS-3 b was discovered 55 light-years away from Earth, orbiting an ultra-cool red dwarf star.
  2. What type of star does SPECULOOS-3 b orbit?
    A. White dwarf
    B. Red dwarf
    C. Blue giant
    D. Yellow main-sequence star
    Correct Answer: B. Red dwarf
    Explanation: SPECULOOS-3 b orbits an ultra-cool red dwarf star, which is much smaller and cooler than our Sun. These stars are the smallest of the main sequence stars.
  3. How long does it take SPECULOOS-3 b to complete one orbit around its star?
    A. 24 hours
    B. 365 days
    C. 17 hours
    D. 30 days
    Correct Answer: C. 17 hours
    Explanation: SPECULOOS-3 b completes one full orbit around its star every 17 hours, which is much faster than Earth’s orbit of 365 days.
  4. Why is SPECULOOS-3 b considered unlikely to support life?
    A. It is too far from its star.
    B. It has a stable atmosphere.
    C. It is bombarded by intense radiation from its star.
    D. It has a temperate climate.
    Correct Answer: C. It is bombarded by intense radiation from its star.
    Explanation: The red dwarf star that SPECULOOS-3 b orbits emits intense radiation, which likely strips away the planet’s atmosphere, making it uninhabitable.

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