Discover the closest planetary system to Earth
Massachusetts: Astronomers have discovered a new multi-planetary system 33 light-years from Earth.
In this system, which is now the closest planetary system in the world, two planets revolve around a cold M dwarf star called HD 260655.
The M. dwarf star is the smallest and coldest type of star, and it is the most abundant star in our Milky Way galaxy.
The inner planet completes one orbit around its main star in 2.8 days and is 1.2 times larger than Earth and slightly denser. While the outer planet HD 260655c completes its orbit around its star every 5.7 days and is 1.5 times larger than Earth but less dense than Earth.
Unfortunately, these planets are not suitable for life. These planets orbiting so close to their main star have such a high temperature that liquid water cannot stay on their surfaces.
Looking at the small orbits, the scientists have estimated that the temperature of the inner planet is 436 degrees Celsius while the temperature of the outer planet is close to 286 degrees Celsius.
“We consider this limit to be beyond the viability of life,” said Michelle Konimoto, one of the lead scientists at the research and a postdoctoral fellow at MIT. This temperature is too hot for surface water.
