Simulations show planet orbiting Proxima Centauri could have liquid water
May 18, 2017, 6:40:02 CEST | Wikinews

The University of Exeter's lead exoplanet modeller, Dr. Nathan Mayne, in remarks to Wired, said, "If, and it is a huge if, the composition of the atmosphere was Earth-like then we showed the planet could indeed support temperatures which would allow liquid water on the surface". In another statement, he emphasized researchers could also "exploit this to hopefully improve our understanding of how our own climate has and will evolve".

Proxima B is believed roughly Earth-sized and in its solar system's habitable zone, meaning it would have similar gravity to Earth and at least the possibility of liquid water. The exoplanet was discovered in August 2016 about 4.2 light years from Earth. Last year, NASA put out a statement expressing doubt that the planet could have an atmosphere in the sense that most of us understand it: "Considering the host star's age and the planet's proximity to its host star, the scientists expect that Proxima B is subjected to torrents of X-ray and extreme ultraviolet radiation from superflares occurring roughly every two hours."

Co-author Dr. James Manners said, "One of the main features that distinguishes this planet from Earth is that the light from its star is mostly in the near infra-red[...] These frequencies of light interact much more strongly with water vapour and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which affects the climate that emerges in our model."

This new model allowed scientists to evaluate the effects of Proxima B's possible orbits and likely exposure to radiation and solar flares from its red dwarf sun on two types of atmospheres. The specifics of Proxima B's orbit are not yet established. It might rotate around its axis quickly the way Earth does or it might be tidally locked to its sun, with one side of the planet always lit and the other always dark. It might have a near-circular orbit or an elliptical one. All these variations would have different effects on the flow of any gases over its surface. The models described in this paper review two possible orbits: one tidally locked and one modeled after Mercury's, with a slow-rotating three days per year.

The team used the Met Office Unified Model to produce the simulations.

Source: Wikinews
Share this article:
share article on facebook share article on twitter share article on google+ share article on tumblr share article on blogger share article on reddit

Articles that may interest you:


Astronomers find water vapour in atmosphere o...

Space Related articles 14 September 2019: Astronomers find water vapour in atmosphere of ...

England: Parts of Birmingham area flood; musi...

Tuesday, July 11, 2023  Alum Rock in 2012. Image: Eaak79. England Related articles 11 ...

Netherlands set to further restrict semicondu...

Thursday, March 9, 2023  ASML headquarters in Veldhoven on May 22, 2008. Image: A ansems....
Send us your articles and web-novels!
comments powered by Disqus
Most popular


Recently Viewed:


Simulations show planet orbiting Proxima Centauri co...

The University of Exeter's lead exoplanet modeller, Dr. Nathan Mayne, in remarks to Wired, s...


Ireland votes to overturn 35-year-old constitutional...

Sunday, May 27, 2018  Crime and law Related articles 27 May 2018: Ireland votes to overtu...


Star Trek trading cards to be unveiled next month

Rittenhouse Archives will be unveiling sets of trading cards dedicated to Star Trek (2009) a...


Philip Seymour Hoffman, aged 46 found dead from an a...

The 46-year-old Oscar winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead today in his ...


Mark Rutte Dutch caretaker cabinet announces electio...

Sunday, July 16, 2023  Rutte in São Paulo, Brazil on May 8. Image: Governo do Estado de Sã...

Automotive
Reviews | Technology | Projects & Tuning | Events | Racing
Business & Technology
Business & Economy | Mobile | Internet & Media | Security & Privacy | Gadgets & Tech | Software
Lifestyle
Health, Food & Fitness | Fashion | Gardening | DIY | Homes
Society
Accidents | Crime | Culture | Finance | Politics
Science & Environment
Wildlife | Green | Space
Gaming
Reviews
Society
Accidents | Crime | Culture | Finance | Politics
Travel
MM-iNEWS
Copyright & Privacy | Site Roadmap | Sitemap | Contact
Web Development @ OverHertz Ltd
Ω