^{Photo by Massimiliano Morosinotto on Unsplash}

Exoplanets, also known as extrasolar planets, are planets that orbit stars other than our Sun. 

Since the first confirmed exoplanet discovery in 1992, astronomers have detected thousands of exoplanets using various observational methods. These distant worlds come in a wide range of sizes, compositions, and environments, and some of them hold the potential to host alien life. However, it would be nice if aliens could visit right now.

The search for exoplanets and the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life is one of the most exciting areas of modern astronomy. Some of the critical methods used to detect exoplanets include:

Transit Method– This method involves observing the slight dimming of a star’s brightness when a planet passes in front of it. By measuring these periodic dips in brightness, astronomers can infer the presence and size of the exoplanet.

Radial Velocity Method– Also known as the Doppler method, this technique detects exoplanets by measuring the slight wobble of a star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet.

Direct Imaging – Using advanced telescopes and instruments, astronomers can directly capture images of exoplanets by blocking out the light from the parent star.

Gravitational Microlensing– This method relies on the gravitational effect of a foreground star (acting as a lens), magnifying the background star’s light and revealing the presence of exoplanets orbiting the foreground star.

Key Elements That Would Make Exoplanets Habitable

When considering the potential habitability of exoplanets, scientists look for specific criteria that could support life as we know it. The key factors include:

Habitable Zone– This refers to the region around a star where conditions may be just right for liquid water to exist on the surface of a planet. Liquid water is considered essential for life as we know it.

Composition– Exoplanets with a composition similar to Earth, including a rocky surface, are particularly interesting since rocky planets can potentially support complex life.

Atmosphere– The presence of an atmosphere is crucial for protecting a planet’s surface from harmful cosmic rays and providing essential gases for life.

Stability– Planetary systems with stable orbits are more likely to have harsh environments suitable for life to develop and persist over long periods.

Parent Star – The parent star’s type and characteristics can significantly impact an exoplanet’s conditions. For instance, stars similar to the Sun are more likely to host Earth-like planets.

Celestial Bodies That Have Been Identified as Potential Habitats

While the search for habitable exoplanets and extraterrestrial life is ongoing, several intriguing exoplanets have been identified that might meet some of these criteria. For example:

Proxima Centauri b– This exoplanet orbits the closest known star to the Sun, Proxima Centauri. It is located in the habitable zone, and its potential for liquid water on the surface makes it an exciting candidate for further study.

TRAPPIST-1 System– This star system has multiple Earth-sized exoplanets in the habitable zone. The discovery of seven planets in this system sparked considerable interest in the search for potentially habitable exoplanets.

Kepler-452b– Often referred to as “Earth’s cousin,” Kepler-452b is located in the habitable zone of a star similar to the Sun and has a comparable orbital period to Earth.

It’s important to note that while these exoplanets are promising candidates, we currently need more technology to directly observe their surfaces or atmospheres in detail. Future space missions and technological advancements will be required to explore these distant worlds and determine their potential for hosting alien life.

The Alien Stranger by Bob Ticer

Based on your reading, do you believe in the possibility of other planets that humanity can live on? As technology advances, humans are constantly trying to reach new heights that would benefit the world population. Because of this, various creative outlets have taken shape in the form of the science fiction genre.

Big names like Star Wars, Star Trek, and other iconic sci-fi franchises have been the benchmark of what a futuristic world would be like. But what if another book also centers around the mix-and-match world of science and technology?

The Alien Stranger by Bob Ticer is a sci-fi book with a unique story that introduces a girl named Kayla. Her adventure begins after obtaining an object that would alter the course of her life and have an uncanny encounter with various strange phenomena. If you’re fascinated by the story, grab a copy of The Alien Stranger today and be looped into the thrilling world of Kayla.