Barnard’s star, a red dwarf, is the closest single star to our solar system, located about 6 light years away. Scientists are excited about the discovery of the first confirmed planet orbiting Barnard’s star, which is a rocky planet with a mass about 40 percent of Earth’s.
The confirmed planet, Barnard b, is about three-quarters the size of Earth and has a surface temperature too high for life. However, researchers have found evidence of three other potential planets around Barnard’s star that may be better candidates for habitability.
This discovery was made using the ESPRESSO instrument on the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile. The potential planets are all rocky and smaller than Earth, with hopes that at least one may be in the habitable zone.
Barnard’s star, in the constellation Ophiuchus, is much smaller and cooler than our sun. It is estimated to be more than twice as old as the sun and is known for being a quiet star with minimal flaring activity.
While interstellar travel is currently beyond human capabilities, research projects like Breakthrough Starshot are exploring the possibility. Barnard’s star and the Alpha Centauri system, which are relatively close to our solar system, may be targets for future exploration.
By Will Dunham
