An extrasolar planet, often called an exoplanet, is a planet that exists outside our Solar System. Currently, there are over 5,572 confirmed exoplanets in 4,145 planetary systems, with 942 systems having more than one planet. However, people often wonder if any of these exoplanets are inhabited by extraterrestrial life forms or aliens, as you call it.
Exoplanet Types
Exoplanets can vary in shape and size: some can be very rocky, or they can be a gas giant. One interesting type of exoplanet is a lava planet, which is a planet whose surface consists mostly of molten lava. Scientists hypothesize that the formation of lava planets is because they are orbiting extremely close to their parent star, experiencing intense irradiation and tidal forces. Therefore, making most of their surface molten lava.
Atmospheres of Exoplanets: Clues of Extraterrestrial Life
The search for extraterrestrial life has led scientists to explore exoplanets. These distant worlds hold the potential to provide valuable clues about the existence of life beyond Earth. With exploring and studying these exoplanets, scientists gather essential information about the chemical composition and conditions that could support life. For instance, detecting certain gasses, such as oxygen or methane, in an exoplanet's atmosphere could suggest the presence of life.
Additionally, factors like temperature, surface conditions, and the presence of liquid water can further hint whether these exoplanets may be habitable environments. Investigating these clues on exoplanets brings us closer to answering one of humanity's most profound questions: are we alone in the universe?
Are we alone in the universe?
Even though we do not have solid evidence that there is extraterrestrial life that has equal or higher intelligence as us, it is highly probable that there are some exoplanets that have shown promising signs of supporting life. Proxima Centauri b, which orbits the closest star to our solar system, Proxima Centauri. It is located within the star's habitable zone, where conditions might allow liquid water to exist on its surface, a key ingredient for life.
Works Cited
Osu (2023). Study sheds new light on strange lava worlds. [online] Study sheds new light on strange lava worlds . Available at: https://news.osu.edu/study-sheds-new-light-on-strange-lava-worlds/ [Accessed 3 Feb. 2024].
Space Enthusiast (2023). Proxima b — Earth’s twin or another uninhabitable exoplanet? [online]
Orbital Today. Available at: https://orbitaltoday.com/2023/03/27/proxima-b-earths-twin-or-another-uninhabitable-exoplanet/ [Accessed 3 Feb. 2024].
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