Newest Planet Discoveries

There have been numerous planet discoveries made by astronomers and space agencies, both within our solar system and beyond. Here are some notable examples:

1. TOI-178: In early 2021, astronomers discovered a six-planet system orbiting a star about 200 light-years away from Earth. The system, called TOI-178, includes five small, rocky planets and one gas giant, all packed tightly into orbits around their host star.
2. Proxima b: In 2016, scientists discovered a potentially habitable planet orbiting the star closest to our own, Proxima Centauri. Proxima b is a rocky, Earth-sized planet that orbits within the star’s habitable zone, where temperatures may be suitable for liquid water to exist.
3. Kepler-452b: In 2015, NASA’s Kepler space telescope discovered Kepler-452b, a planet about 1,400 light-years away that is similar in size and orbit to Earth. It orbits a star similar to our own Sun and is considered a strong candidate for habitability.
4. TRAPPIST-1: In 2017, astronomers announced the discovery of seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a small, cool star called TRAPPIST-1. Three of the planets are located within the star’s habitable zone and may have conditions suitable for life.

These are just a few examples of the many planet discoveries that have been made in recent years. As scientists continue to search for exoplanets and study our own solar system, we are likely to discover many more fascinating worlds in the years to come.