Gliese 12 b (Gl 12 b) is described as the nearest, transiting, temperate, Earth-sized world found as of May 2024. Located approximately 40 light-years away, this exoplanet has garnered significant attention due to its characteristics and proximity.
Details about Gliese 12 b
Gliese 12 b is notable for several reasons:
- Size: It is considered Earth-sized, making it a potentially interesting candidate for further study.
- Temperature: It's described as temperate, suggesting it receives a level of stellar radiation that could allow for liquid water on its surface, although this is dependent on atmospheric conditions.
- Proximity: At 40 light-years away, it's one of the closest transiting Earth-sized exoplanets discovered to date. This relative nearness makes it a prime target for follow-up observations.
- Transit: Gliese 12 b transits its host star, Gliese 12. Transits are crucial because they allow scientists to determine the planet's size and, under certain conditions, analyze its atmosphere.
References
The discovery of Gliese 12 b is detailed in the following papers:
- Kuzuhara et al. 2024
- Dholakia et al. 2024
NASA has also released media regarding the system including visualizations.
Conclusion
Gliese 12 b, a temperate, Earth-sized exoplanet located 40 light-years away, was found in 2024 and represents a significant discovery in the search for habitable worlds.
