The search for habitable exoplanets beyond our solar system is a hot topic in the scientific community. Scientists are particularly interested in finding exoplanets with liquid water, as water is seen as a key ingredient for life as we know it. Recently, a team of researchers made an exciting discovery using the James Webb Space Telescope: a temperate exoplanet called LHS 1140 b that may have a liquid water ocean.
LHS 1140 b is 1.7 times the size of Earth and orbits a red dwarf star in the habitable zone, where conditions may be just right for liquid water to exist. This discovery is significant because it could potentially be the first exoplanet where we find direct evidence of liquid water. Previous observations by telescopes like Spitzer, Hubble, and TESS had hinted at the possibility of water on this exoplanet, but it was the JWST that provided the crucial data needed to confirm the presence of a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, similar to Earth’s.
One of the key features of LHS 1140 b is its potential to have a liquid water ocean covering a significant portion of its surface. The JWST data suggests that the planet may have between 10% to 20% liquid water by mass, making it a promising candidate for further study. The planet’s unique orbit around its star could result in one side always facing the star, creating a snowball-like appearance with a liquid ocean on the side exposed to heat.
While LHS 1140 b is not the only potentially habitable exoplanet out there, it stands out for its calm and less active host star, which makes it easier to study the exoplanet’s atmosphere without interference from stellar activity. This sets it apart from other habitable-zone exoplanets like those in the TRAPPIST-1 system, where the star’s activity complicates observations.
Further research is needed to fully understand the characteristics of LHS 1140 b and confirm the presence of a liquid water ocean. With ongoing advancements in space telescopes and technology, scientists are hopeful that more discoveries like this will pave the way for a better understanding of exoplanets and their potential for hosting life. The search for habitable exoplanets continues, fueled by the quest for water and the possibility of finding alien worlds that resemble our own.
