NASA’s James Webb Telescope found a giant gas planet 4.5 light years away in Alpha Centauri. While lifeless, its moons might support life, with further study planned.
Space scientists have discovered strong evidence of a giant gas planet in the Alpha Centauri, the star system closest to our own. It is 4.5 light years away from Earth. This discovery was made using the James Webb Space Telescope and could be significant in telling if the planet's moons might be capable of supporting life, as per NASA and BBC reports.
Dr. Carly Howett, an associate professor of space instrumentation at the University of Oxford, told BBC told that four years is a long time, but in terms of a galaxy. She said, "Four years is a long way, but in galaxy terms, it’s very close, it’s in our neighbourhood.” She added that the planet orbits a star similar to our Sun in temperature and brightness, which is key when considering habitable worlds.
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The planet was first spotted in 2024 and resembles a giant sphere of gas, just like other gas giants in our solar system, like Jupiter and Saturn. it is covered in a thick layer of gas, making it lifeless. However, just like Jupiter's icy moons that might support life, the moons of this planet also have the potential to support life.
Even after detection, the scientists could not find its exact location. They believe that this might be because it was hidden behind its star or too close to be able to BE located. Dr. Howett explained, “Probably the planet was either behind the star or too close to be able to see it. You need an element of luck.”
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Along with it, the bright light from the surrounding stars also makes it difficult to spot smaller and dimmer objects in outer space. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory acknowledged that, despite James Webb Space Telescope being the most powerful one, it still faces challenges observing such planets.
With Grace Roman Space Telescope launching in 2027, the scientists aim to continue the investigation of the planet. The James Webb Telescope will also use spectral imaging to study the planet's composition.
