Wolf 1069b: an inhabited exoplanet

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany have announced the discovery of a new potentially habitable exoplanet. The planet revolves around the red dwarf Wolf 1069, hence the name Wolf 1069b.

Scientists estimate that its mass is 1.36 times that of Earth. The planet makes a complete revolution around the star in 15.6 days. The distance between them is 1/15 of the distance between the Sun and the Earth. However, because the red dwarf radiates little heat, conditions on the planet are theoretically considered suitable for life.

Astronomers say Wolf 1069b is in the so-called "habitable zone", the optimum distance from the star so that the surface does not become too hot or too cold. It receives 35% less heat than the Earth receives from the Sun.

It is noted that if the planet had no atmosphere, the average temperature would be -23 degrees Celsius. Its dense gaseous envelope can trap heat and make the climate more comfortable. But scientists still have no information about the existence of an atmosphere and a magnetic field on planet Wolf 1069b.