Ross 128 b
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Temperate Planet Orbiting Quiet Red Dwarf
ESO's exoplanet hunter, HARPS, has discovered a temperate planet just 11 light-years from Earth.
This new world is named Ross 128 b. It's the second-closest temperate planet known, after Proxima b.
It is also the closest planet to be discovered orbiting an inactive red dwarf.
The star Ross 128 is quieter than Proxima Centauri, which is prone to flares of X-rays and ultraviolet light.
The inactive nature of Ross 128 could increase the likelihood this planet could potentially sustain life.
Estimates suggest that the Ross 128 b planet may have a temperature close to that of the Earth.
It will be a prime target for ESO's Extremely Large Telescope, which may be able to search for biomarkers, including oxygen.
Produced by ESO, the European Southern Observatory
Learn more: ESOcast 137 Light: Temperate Planet Orbiting Quiet Red Dwarf (4K UHD) | ESO