It has long been known that there is much more outside of our own Solar System. Another day of probing the vast galaxy brings new and exciting discoveries with keen astronomers spotting a potential habitable planet many light-years away. Planets that reside outside of the current Solar System are referred to as exoplanets and have been an interest to mankind for centuries. They were first noticed in the early 1900s, but actual detection would come almost a hundred years later in the 90s where confirmation of detection would be realised. Since then, thousands of exoplanets have been discovered within their own systems, much of them dwarfing our own. Space is boundless and will always be a seemingly endless void of discovery.
// Survive and Thrive //
Human survival is an idea that has lingered for many years. Famed Professor Stephen Hawking told of possible human extinction within a millennium. Over the years, Professor Hawking would discuss ideas of space colonisation as a path for humans to thrive. Whether it was floating space housing or establishing life on other planets, life on Earth could expose mankind to extinction over time. Survival is but a natural instinct of mankind and advancement of scientific discoveries are an extension of this to an extent. Exploring the galaxies and beyond has much more purpose than satisfying curiosity. Discoveries across exoplanets can uncover mysteries, existing and new.
// Exoplanets and Vapour //
Nature Astronomy uncovers a fascinating find on exoplanet K2-18 b, somewhere very far away. Detection of water vapour entertains the idea of possible habitable conditions and is within a zone that would allow life to flourish. Planets too close or too far from a star would experience extreme conditions that would purge any chance of life. The exoplanet was discovered just a few years ago in 2015 but is not considered to be much like our own planet. Much larger in size, K2-18 b is hypothesised to possess vastly different terrains with much water under its surface. Migrating over to another planet is a long way off but this observation will be a basis for further investigation into atmospheric conditions.
In short, this discovery could help form a common benchmark of what a habitable exoplanet should resemble. With this information on hand, searching for similar exoplanets may allow scientists to encounter even greater sources of data. Technology is far from establishing colonies in outer space, but this is yet another step that shows understanding of that which lies beyond the stars. It will be a valuable part of understanding our own atmosphere and may hold secrets that will us to improve conditions through greater understanding and application of knowledge.
Sources
https://www.space.com/alien-planet-k2-18b-water-vapor-not-earth-twin.html
