Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet called HD 20794 d, which is six times Earth’s mass and orbits a Sun-like star just 20 light-years away. This makes it one of the closest habitable-zone exoplanets to our solar system.
The planet was first detected in 2022 and scientists spent years analyzing decades of data to confirm its existence. Due to the limits of detection technology, it took time to overcome these challenges.
HD 20794 d lies in its star’s habitable zone, where liquid water could exist, a key factor in the search for extraterrestrial life. However, unlike Earth, this planet has an elliptical orbit, which affects its potential habitability.
Future space missions like LIFE, ELT, and HWO will study the planet’s atmosphere for biosignatures – chemical clues of alien life. The discovery of HD 20794 d is significant as it proves that exoplanet detection techniques are improving, allowing scientists to find smaller, hidden worlds.
The planet is among the most Earth-like known, making it a top target in the search for habitable worlds. With its proximity to our solar system and potential for hosting life, HD 20794 d is an exciting discovery for astronomers.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/6-times-earths-mass-astronomers-confirm-a-habitable-zone-planet-just-20-light-years-away-212246-26-02-2025