Astronomers Discover Potentially Habitable Exoplanet HD 20794 d Just 20 Light Years Away

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A team of astronomers has identified a new exoplanet, HD 20794 d, which may have the potential to support life, located approximately 20 light years from Earth. According to a study published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, this planet is thought to be a super-Earth, with a mass about six times that of our planet, and orbits a star similar to our Sun. Michael Cretignier, a coauthor from Oxford University, expressed excitement over confirming the planet's existence, noting the challenges faced in detecting it due to its position at the edge of their technological limits.

The study also indicated that HD 20794 d's orbit is elliptical, leading to substantial temperature fluctuations on its surface. This variability raises questions about its habitability. Initially captured via gravitational clues in 2011, more robust evidence emerged in 2022, prompting further investigation using data from advanced telescopes. Cretignier highlighted the significance of this discovery for upcoming missions aimed at identifying potential biosignatures on exoplanets, emphasizing HD 20794 d's proximity to Earth as a potential key for future explorations of extraterrestrial life.

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