Fifth potentially habitable planet confirmed in L 98-59 system

Researchers have confirmed a fifth potentially habitable planet in the L 98-59 system.

Confirmation of a fifth planet in the habitable zone of L 98-59

A team from the Université de Montréal has confirmed a fifth planet in the L 98-59 system, located 35 light-years from Earth. This system is already known for hosting four other planets, and the new planet, L 98-59 f, resides in the habitable zone. Unlike the four previously identified planets, L 98-59 f does not transit its star directly but was detected using radial velocity measurements. The discovery was made using data from ground and space telescopes, including the Very Large Telescope, TESS, and JWST. This research adds significant detail to our understanding of rocky planet diversity and habitability, especially around red dwarf stars. Detailed findings will be shared in The Astronomical Journal.

The confirmation of a fifth planet around L 98-59 opens new avenues for understanding planetary systems around red dwarfs. These stars account for about 70% of the stars in the Milky Way. The findings are not just a win for astronomy but also a step towards identifying potentially habitable environments beyond our solar system. Researchers emphasize the potential for future explorations with JWST, aiming to uncover more about these planets' atmospheres. As scientists heighten their focus on rocky exoplanets, L 98-59's compact and diverse system could yield critical insights into the formation and retention of atmospheres on such worlds.

Highlights

The discoveries surrounding L 98-59 may redefine our understanding of habitability in distant planets.