"Are we alone in the Universe?" This ancient question, once rooted in philosophy, has gained traction in modern science with growing evidence and hypotheses. Astronomical discoveries, such as the identification of the first exoplanet orbiting a star other than the Sun in 1995, have significantly advanced this quest. This groundbreaking discovery earned Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz of UNIGE the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2019.
Since then, astronomers have uncovered thousands of exoplanets, with consensus pointing to the likelihood that nearly every star hosts a planetary system. Research now focuses on identifying planets with distinct characteristics, such as HD 20794 d, which is of particular interest due to its location in the habitable zone.
The key interest in HD 20794 d lies in its position within the star's habitable zone, where conditions may allow liquid water to exist - a vital prerequisite for life as we know it. For G-type stars like HD 20794, this zone typically spans 0.7 to 1.5 astronomical units (AU). HD 20794 d's orbital period of 647 days places it at varying distances, oscillating between the inner and outer edges of this zone. This eccentric orbit enables scientists to refine theoretical models and test hypotheses about planetary habitability. If water exists on HD 20794 d, it may transition between ice and liquid states during its orbital path, potentially creating favorable conditions for life.
HD 20794 d offers a valuable opportunity for modeling and testing new ideas in the search for extraterrestrial life. Its proximity and the brightness of its host star make it an excellent candidate for next-generation instruments, such as the ANDES spectrograph for ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). Determining whether this planet harbors life will require significant scientific advancements and interdisciplinary efforts. Research into the conditions for its habitability is already underway at UNIGE's Centre for Life in the Universe (CVU).
Research Report:Revisiting the multi-planetary system of the nearby star HD 20794. Confirmation of a low-mass planet in the habitable zone of a nearby G-dwarf
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