Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope and the Apache Point Observatory have discovered a new planet orbiting within the habitable zone of star Kepler 51. The newly found Kepler-51e is the first planet to be detected in this zone, which is crucial for potentially supporting life.
According to researchers, their discovery was accidental. They were initially planning to study one of the existing planets when they noticed a slight change in the star’s brightness that revealed the presence of the new planet. The team used transit timing variations to detect Kepler-51e and found it has an orbit slightly larger than Venus.
The three previously known planets, named Kepler-51a, 51b, and 51c, are unusually large but have low densities, earning them the nickname “super puff” or “cotton candy” planets. The new discovery adds another layer of complexity to understanding these unusual planets.
Researchers believe that finding exoplanets within a star’s habitable zone is crucial for searching for life beyond Earth. However, this new discovery also raises more questions about the formation and properties of super puff planets.
The team plans to refine their calculations with additional observations to better characterize Kepler-51e. They hope to study the planet further to understand its size and orbit, which will help in refining the search for exoplanets that could potentially support life.
Source: https://thedebrief.org/james-webb-space-telescope-spots-previously-hidden-planet-in-stars-habitable-zone