http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/12/world/solar-system-discoveries-earth/index.html
Scientists have recently announced their discovery of a new planet called GJ1132b. The planet has potential for life. Since it's small and close, they will be able to study it more easily than other farther planets that could sustain life. Because of this, Drake Deming, an astronomer at the University of Maryland, says that it's the most important ever found outside our solar system. GJ1132b's radius is 16% longer than Earth's, its surface temperatures reach 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit), and it moves around a red dwarf star that is only 1/5 the size of our sun. Obviously the planet wouldn't be able to sustain human life in its current condition, but it offers scientists an opportunity to study other life forms that are alien to earth.
The human race's ability to learn things about the universe without visiting space directly is our most amazing feature. I think that scientific discoveries are important to history because they expand our potential for new knowledge and drive us to keep learning. People used to think that the world was flat. I hope that a revelation as earth-shattering as that happens in my lifetime.
Brenna Hale(6th Period)
ReplyDeleteSpace's vastness sometimes scares me, but it's the things in it that are so fascinating. I hope that a planet that can sustain the human race isn't needed in the future, but the studies being conducted are most likely keeping astronomers, space fans and scientist very busy.
We may have to consider options for colonization some day, as the population of the world is only increasing. It is fascinating to know that there are so many things yet to be discovered in space, and it gets more and more interesting as people such as those mentioned in the article work to discover the unknown.
ReplyDeleteJasmine Rodriguez Period 4
Just trying to think about space I feel so overwhelmed but excited at the same time because their are so many possibilities waiting out there. This planet is just one example of how there are so many things we do not know about. I do wish they would name this planets something a little more creative, but I am sure they have a system going!
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