The newly discovered planet in 2024 is called Gliese 12 b (or Gl 12 b).
This Earth-sized exoplanet, located about 40 light-years away, was discovered in 2024 and is notable for being the nearest, transiting, and temperate world of its kind found to date. Its discovery is detailed in two papers by Kuzuhara et al. 2024 and Dholakia et al. 2024. NASA has also released media about the system, showcasing visualizations of it.
Here's a summary in a table for easy reference:
| Planet Name | Distance from Earth | Key Features | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gliese 12 b (Gl 12 b) | 40 light-years | Nearest, transiting, temperate, Earth-sized | Kuzuhara et al. 2024, Dholakia et al. 2024, NASA media release |
Key highlights of Gliese 12 b:
- It is an exoplanet, meaning it orbits a star other than our Sun.
- Its size is comparable to Earth, making it a significant find for comparative planet studies.
- The planet is "temperate," implying it could potentially support liquid water on its surface, an important factor in the search for life beyond Earth.
- It is transiting, which means that as seen from Earth, it passes in front of its star. This allows astronomers to analyze its atmosphere.
The discovery of Gliese 12 b opens up new research possibilities and offers an exciting new avenue for studying exoplanets and the potential for life in our galaxy.
