Nearby "Super Earth" Could Host Life After All
Researchers from UC Irvine have re-evaluated the exoplanet GJ 3378b, suggesting it may reside within its red dwarf star's habitable zone. While red dwarfs are common, their tendency for solar flares remains a significant hurdle for potential life on such 'Super Earths.'
Why it matters
Identifying potentially habitable planets near our solar system is a critical step in the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.
In 2024, astronomers detected a rocky exoplanet, GJ 3378b , orbiting a red dwarf sun just 25 light-years from Earth in the direction of the northern constellation Camelopardalis. Based on radial velocity measurements, the discovery team estimated that this planet is 2.3 times as massive as Earth - making it a "Super Earth." Thanks to revised analysis by a team led by researchers from the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine), this planet appears to reside within its star's habitable zone (HZ).
The article is a scientific report based on astronomical research findings.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in