Falcon Flyer Spring 2024-2025 Spring 2024-2025 | Page 37

Earth’s Cousin - Kepler 452b

Kepler 452b is often referred to as the Earth’s cousin due to its similar size, location within its star habitable zone, and orbital period to the Earth. It is considered a “super-Earth” due to being about 60% larger than the Earth. It is located about 1,400 light-years from Earth and it orbits its star at a distance of 1.04 astronomical units (the Earth orbits the Sun at 1 astronomical unit). 

Kepler-22b

This exoplanet is located about 600 light years away in the constellation Cygnus. It was the first planet that was found to orbit in its star’s habitable zone. Due to it being about 2.4 times the size of Earth, scientists have dubbed it a “super-Earth” as it was one of the first candidates for alien life existing outside our solar system. 

Wasp-12b

Wasp-12b is a doomed planet - one that is destined to be destroyed, primarily by being engulfed by its host star. This planet is a gas giant and it is famous for being slowly engulfed by its host star. This planet has been stretched into an egg shape and scientists estimate it to be completely destroyed within the next 10 million years. 

Proxima Centauri b

Proxima Centauri b is the closest known exoplanet to Earth, and it is located only 4.24 light-years away. The planet orbits the red dwarf star Proxima Centauri and it resides in the habitable zone of its star, meaning that its temperatures may allow for liquid water. Some scientists believe this exoplanet is one of the best candidates for discovering signs of extraterrestrial life. 

Trappist-1 System

This system of planets is located 40 light-years away from Earth and there are seven Earth sized planets orbiting the red dwarf star Trappist-1. Three of these planets lie in the habitable zone and this star system has the most Earth-sized planets ever found in a single star system. If one of these planets has water, they may be able to support life. This is why the Trappist-1 system has been seen by astronomers as a target for advanced telescopes such as the James Webb Telescope to observe in the future.