Newly discovered super-Earth heats up and then freezes every 300 days
India TodayA fascinating new discovery in the field of exoplanetary science has revealed a "super-Earth" orbiting a Sun-like star just 20 light-years from Earth. This planet, known as HD 20794 d, is part of a three-planet system around the star HD 20794 and presents intriguing possibilities for habitability despite its highly eccentric orbit. This means the planet experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, swinging from scorching heat to deep freeze roughly every 300 days. Despite its eccentric orbit, HD 20794 d spends a significant portion of its year within the habitable zone, where liquid water could potentially exist under the right atmospheric conditions12. The planet's unique orbit and potential for hosting liquid water raise important questions about the adaptability of life under extreme conditions, making it a prime subject for ongoing research in astrobiology.
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Scientists discover ‘super-Earth’ planet that could be suitable for life
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