距地不到二十光年的“超级地球”发现

Core Insights - An international team, including researchers from Penn State University, has discovered a new exoplanet named GJ 251 c, located less than 20 light-years from Earth, which is classified as a "super-Earth" [1][2] - GJ 251 c orbits a red dwarf star, GJ 251, situated 18.2 light-years away, and has a mass nearly four times that of Earth, suggesting it is likely a rocky planet [1] - The discovery was made possible through 20 years of observational data, focusing on the star's minute "wobble" caused by the planet's gravitational influence [1] Discovery Process - The confirmation of GJ 251 c involved complex processes to filter out noise from the star's surface activity, utilizing data modeling and signal analysis techniques to ensure the detected signals originated from the planet [2] - Although GJ 251 c cannot be directly imaged yet, future ground-based telescopes and planned giant space telescopes are expected to analyze its atmosphere for signs of life [2] Significance of Super-Earths - Super-Earths, like GJ 251 c, are located in the "habitable zone" of their stars, where conditions may allow for stable liquid water, which is essential for life [3] - These planets are considered prime candidates for the search for extraterrestrial life and may also serve as potential future habitats for humanity [3]