Topic: Astronomy
Scientists have found evidence that a nearby rocky planet called LHS 1140b may be replenishing its helium from its atmosphere. This discovery was made by a team of researchers led by Jason Dittmann, an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Florida. The study suggests that this planet could still have an atmosphere despite being a rocky, Earth-like object.
A team of scientists has found evidence that a nearby rocky planet called LHS 1140b may be replenishing its helium from its atmosphere.
The discovery was made by Jason Dittmann, an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Florida. He first discovered the planet in 2016 using ground-based surveys to search for stars whose light briefly dimmed as orbiting planets passed in front of them.
However, observing from the ground allows Earth's atmosphere to confuse this process. To determine whether the stars were dimming because of wispy clouds or humidity blowing through on Earth, Dittmann trained a machine learning algorithm to decipher which signals were caused by Earth's weather and which were caused by a passing planet.
The method helped Dittmann find LHS 1140b. The planet's orbit meant it could be observed only a few times a year, so he tried to make the most of the limited opportunities he had to study it.
Considering the type of star it orbits, Dittmann said the planet's temperature should be similar to Earth's. It is made of rock rather than gas and is approximately 40 light-years away.
The team started by asking for helium observation data from the Magellan Clay telescope at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. The data revealed that helium was escaping from the planet, a process that also occurs on Earth.
However, the planet's age suggests it would have run out of helium unless it was replenishing its own supply, pointing to the potential of an atmosphere.
Why It Matters
This discovery is important for understanding how planets like LHS 1140b can maintain their atmospheres. It also has implications for the search for life beyond Earth and could lead to a better understanding of how planets form and evolve over time.
Key Facts
- LHS 1140b is a rocky planet located approximately 40 light-years away from Earth.
- The planet's age suggests it would have run out of helium unless it was replenishing its own supply.
- Helium escape is a process that also occurs on Earth.
- The Magellan Clay telescope at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile revealed helium escaping from the planet.
- Jason Dittmann, an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Florida, led the research team.
Key Terms
- Habitable zone
- The region around a star where temperatures are suitable for liquid water to exist on a planet.
Implications
This discovery is important for understanding how planets like LHS 1140b can maintain their atmospheres. It also has implications for the search for life beyond Earth and could lead to a better understanding of how planets form and evolve over time.
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