In an unprecedented study published in the Astronomical Journal, the team led by astronomer Emily K. Pass made extraordinary discoveries about LTT 1445Ac. It is the exoplanet closest to Earth size. This outer planet transit of a neighboring star, an event that holds potential for future atmospheric studies.
NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) initially revealed the full size of LTT 1445Ac. which are obscured due to possible geometric misalignment.
TESS’s resolution limitations have led to concerns about “shift migration” that could provide misleading measurements. But Hubble’s more advanced capabilities eliminated these doubts.
Hubble’s precision
Obtaining an unstripped transition at a 97% confidence level, the team determined that the radius of LTT 1445Ac was 1.07 times the radius of the Earth, and the margin of error ranged from 0.07 to 0.10 times the radius from the Earth. Besides, Its density is calculated to be 5.9 g cm³, indicating a striking similarity to the terrestrial composition of the Earth.
This similarity ends with surface gravity as temperatures rise to about 500 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating the possibility of life as we know it.
Planetary alignment
The planetary system of LTT 1445A is complex. LTT 1445Ac is accompanied by two older siblings. The structure of the system is further complicated by two additional dwarf stars, LTT 1445B and C, which form a close pair. Hubble observations show a coplanar alignment within the system that extends to known planets.
The coplanarity and clear transition in the stellar disk make LTT 1445Ac an excellent candidate for atmospheric characterization. Spectroscopy, which can be done with telescopes such as Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope, chemical composition of this exoplanet.
The importance of this measurement is not limited to a single planet; It increases our understanding of the terrestrial planets in the galaxy.
Stay up to date with the latest astronomical discoveries at TecMundo. If you wish, find out whether it is possible for a star to become a planet.
Source: Tec Mundo
I’m Blaine Morgan, an experienced journalist and writer with over 8 years of experience in the tech industry. My expertise lies in writing about technology news and trends, covering everything from cutting-edge gadgets to emerging software developments. I’ve written for several leading publications including Gadget Onus where I am an author.
