Astronomers using NASA's TESS satellite and other observatories have confirmed the discovery of Gliese 12 b, an exoplanet roughly the size of Earth orbiting within the habitable zone of its host star. The planet, located about 40 light-years away in the constellation Pisces, circles the cool red dwarf star Gliese 12.
Gliese 12 b completes an orbit every 12.8 days and is estimated to have a surface temperature of around 42°C (107°F), assuming it has no atmosphere. Its size, slightly smaller than Earth, and its location within the conservative habitable zone—where liquid water could exist—make it one of the best nearby candidates for further atmospheric study.
The discovery, detailed in publications like *Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society*, was made by an international team. Scientists emphasize that while the planet is a prime target, it is currently unknown if it possesses an atmosphere or water, which are critical for life as we know it.
Future observations with the James Webb Space Telescope are planned to analyze Gliese 12 b's atmosphere. This analysis could determine its composition and potential habitability, offering crucial insights into the conditions of Earth-size planets orbiting cool stars.
