Teegarden's Star c Planet
In the vast expanse of our universe, Teegarden's Star c shines as a beacon of intrigue. Discovered in June 2019, this super Earth exoplanet orbits an M-type red dwarf star known as Teegarden's Star, situated 12.5 light years away from our Solar System. Teegarden's Star c, also referred to as Teegarden c, has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike due to its potential habitability.
Teegarden's Star c Mass Size Compared to Earth in Percentage
Teegarden's Star c has a mass of at least times that of Earth. To calculate the mass percentage difference, we use the formula:
This means Teegarden's Star c is approximately 11% more massive than Earth.
Teegarden's Star c Surface Gravity Compared to Earth
The surface gravity of Teegarden's Star c is not directly provided in the given information. The surface gravity is calculated using the formula:
Since the radius of Teegarden's Star c is not given, we cannot determine the surface gravity compared to Earth.
Surface Temperature of Teegarden's Star c
The equilibrium temperature for Teegarden's Star c is 226 K (-47 °C).
Does Teegarden's Star c Have Oxygen?
The information provided does not specify whether Teegarden's Star c has oxygen or not. Determining the composition of an exoplanet's atmosphere often requires direct observational data.
Is Teegarden's Star c Habitable?
Teegarden's Star c orbits in the conservative habitable zone of Teegarden's Star. The equilibrium temperature is -47 °C, but the presence of a thick atmosphere could potentially make its surface warmer. The star, Teegarden's Star, being inactive and quiet, increases the chances of habitability compared to stars with strong flares.
Teegarden's Star c Atmosphere Composition
The information provided does not specify the atmosphere composition of Teegarden's Star c. It mentions the potential for an ocean of water or ice on its surface due to temperatures.
Teegarden's Star c Distance from Earth in Light Years
Teegarden's Star c is located approximately 12.5 light years away from the Solar System.
10 Interesting Fun Facts About Teegarden's Star c
- Habitable Zone Resident: Teegarden's Star c orbits within the conservative habitable zone of its host star, making it one of the closest known potentially habitable exoplanets.
- Equilibrium Temperature: Despite being in the habitable zone, the equilibrium temperature of Teegarden's Star c is a chilly -47 °C.
- Minimum Mass: The minimum mass of Teegarden's Star c is equivalent to at least times that of Earth.
- Star Characteristics: Teegarden's Star, an ultra-cool red dwarf, is about 9 percent the mass of the Sun with a temperature of around 2,900 Kelvin.
- Inherent Low Temperatures: Red dwarfs like Teegarden's Star emit most of their energy in the infrared spectrum due to their inherent low temperatures.
- Quiet Star: Teegarden's Star is inactive and quiet, a positive factor for habitability, as compared to red dwarfs emitting strong flares that can strip atmospheres.
- Discovery Method: Teegarden's Star c was discovered using Doppler spectroscopy at the Calar Alto Observatory in June 2019.
- Distance from Earth: Initially thought to be closer, accurate parallax measurements in 2009 placed Teegarden's Star at a distance of approximately 12.5 light years.
- Possibility of Water or Ice: The planet's Earth-like composition suggests the possibility of an ocean of water or ice on its surface due to varying temperatures.
- Data Mining Discovery: Teegarden's Star itself was discovered in 2003 through data mining of optical sky survey data sets, and its proximity to Earth was initially underestimated.
Characteristics
Teegarden's Star c boasts a mass of 1.11 times that of Earth and completes one orbit around its star in just 11.4 days. Positioned at a distance of 0.0443 astronomical units (AU) from its star, this exoplanet resides in the conservative habitable zone, making it a compelling candidate for further exploration.
The orbital period, combined with the minimum mass and Earth-like radius, suggests that Teegarden's Star c may have a composition resembling our own planet. Scientists hypothesize the presence of an iron core and rocky crust, with the possibility of an ocean of water or ice on its surface due to varying temperatures.
Habitability Factors
One key factor contributing to the potential habitability of Teegarden's Star c is its location in the conservative habitable zone. Despite an equilibrium temperature of -47 °C, the presence of a thick atmosphere could result in a warmer surface, making it conducive to life as we know it. The comparison with Earth's equilibrium temperature (-18 °C) highlights the significance of atmospheric conditions in maintaining habitable temperatures.
Another crucial aspect is the nature of Teegarden's Star itself. Unlike many red dwarfs that emit strong flares, potentially stripping atmospheres and rendering planets uninhabitable, Teegarden's Star remains inactive and quiet. This characteristic sets it apart from stars like Kepler-438b and Proxima Centauri, enhancing the likelihood of Teegarden's Star c being a habitable celestial body. Similar quiet red dwarfs, such as Ross 128 and Luyten's Star, also harbor potentially habitable exoplanets.
Host Star Insights
Teegarden's Star, an ultra-cool red dwarf with around 9 percent of the Sun's mass, operates at a temperature of approximately 2,900 Kelvin. Emitting most of its energy in the infrared spectrum, it was discovered in 2003 through meticulous data mining of optical sky survey datasets. The star's age, estimated at 8 billion years, predates our Sun.
The discovery process, led by the team at the Calar Alto Observatory in June 2019, employed Doppler spectroscopy. Teegarden's Star's semi-major axis, eccentricity, and orbital period were determined through this method, providing valuable insights into the planetary system.
Physical Characteristics and Temperature
Delving into the physical attributes of Teegarden's Star c, scientists estimate its mass to be equal to or greater than 1.11 times that of Earth. This super Earth maintains a temperature of 226 K (-47 °C), a chilly equilibrium temperature that underscores the importance of atmospheric considerations for its potential habitability.
Host Star's Discovery and Peculiarities
Teegarden's Star, the celestial guardian of Teegarden's Star c, was first discovered in 2003. What makes this discovery particularly noteworthy is the unconventional method employed by astronomers. By reexamining the NEAT asteroid tracking data set and analyzing photographic plates from the Palomar Sky Survey taken in 1951, the team stumbled upon this dim red dwarf.
Initially measured with a parallax of 0.43 ± 0.13 arcseconds, suggesting a distance of only 7.50 light-years, further scrutiny revealed a more accurate parallax of 0.2593 arcseconds in 2009. This corrected distance places Teegarden's Star at 12.578 light-years from Earth, making it one of our Sun's nearest neighbors.
Significance of Teegarden's Star c
Teegarden's Star c's unique combination of characteristics, from its potential habitability to the peculiarities of its host star, fuels our fascination with distant exoplanets. The discovery, made without direct access to telescopes and lacking professional astronomers at the time, emphasizes the importance of data mining in uncovering hidden celestial gems.
As technology advances and our understanding of exoplanets deepens, Teegarden's Star c will continue to be a focal point in the search for extraterrestrial life and the exploration of potentially habitable worlds beyond our Solar System.
Final Thoughts
Teegarden's Star c beckons us to gaze beyond our cosmic neighborhood and contemplate the vast possibilities that lie in the depths of space. As we strive to unlock the secrets of distant exoplanets, this super Earth, nestled in the habitable zone of its quiet and ancient red dwarf star, stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring diversity that the universe conceals. The journey of exploration continues, and with each discovery, we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of our cosmic existence. Teegarden's Star c, with its enigmatic allure, invites us to dream, explore, and expand the boundaries of our cosmic understanding.