Astronomers using the James Webba of the National Aeronautics and Space Research Space (NASA) space telescope (NASA) received signs of the existence of a giant gas planet, located in the star system closest to the ground and have characteristics similar to Saturn and Jupiter.
in the statement published on the site NASA, it is said that the data obtained using the direct observation method, which allows the telescope to register the remote celestial objects “as if photographing them” gives good reason to believe about the existence of the planet.
The statement notes that traces of the existence of a gas planet, located in the orbit of the Alpha Centaurus, which is closest to the solar system of the starry A system that is at a distance of about 4 light years from the Earth.
The message emphasizes that the gas planet can have characteristics similar to Saturn and Jupiter. Despite the fact that the planet is covered with a thick layer of gas, unable to maintain life, it can have satellites suitable for life.
Associate Professor of Oxford University, Dr. Karly Hauett, said: “Four light years is, although it seems a large distance on human scale, but on a galaxy scale it is very close, almost the next distance.”
she is She noted that the planet is in the orbit of stars, the temperature and brightness of which are similar to the sun, and emphasized that this is important from the point of view of the study of worlds suitable for life.
scientists will continue observations to finally confirm the existence of the planet. It is expected that an important role in this process will be played by the NASA Grace Roman space telescope, which should be launched in 2027.
gas planets, also called “gas giants”, are giant planets, consisting mainly of light gases, such as hydrogen and heliums that do not have a solid surface and have masses, ten times as much exceeding the mass of the Earth.
examples of such planets in the solar system can serve as Saturn and Jupiter.