Exoplanets: India’s latest discovery and its scientific significance
Details of the discovery process
Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) discovered the exoplanet EPIC 211945201b or K2-236b using the PARAS spectrograph. This spectrograph was specially built from components manufactured from India and various parts of the world. With the help of this instrument, scientists observed the wobble of the star due to the presence of the planet around the star.
Details of the exoplanet features
EPIC 211945201b or K2-236b is an unusual exoplanet made up of about 70% iron, ice or silicate and has 30% gas. It has a mass 27 times that of Earth and a radius 6 times that of Earth. Its surface temperature is 600 degrees Celsius, which makes it uninhabitable.
Expanding the importance of discovery
The discovery of exoplanets helps us understand the diversity and complexity of the universe. It also tells us that there are many planets outside our solar system and it is likely that some planets may have possibilities of life.
Importance of new discoveries
The discovery of exoplanets has opened new dimensions in astronomy. It not only lets us know about the existence of other planets but also helps us understand how these planets are formed and what their structure is. It helps scientists to discover the possibilities of life in other parts of the universe.
