TOI-1452 b is an exoplanet in orbit around one of the two stars of a binary system located in the constellation of the Dragon, 100 light years from Earth. Observed by researchers at the University of Montreal, it could be what is called a “planet-ocean”. It would thus be completely covered by a thick layer of water, according to the first data from a study published in the Astrophysical Journal.
“It is at a distance from its star that allows it to maintain a temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold for liquid water to exist on its surface,” the Exoplanet Research Institute says in a press release.
A giant deep ocean
If the Earth is often nicknamed the “blue planet”, because the oceans cover 70% of its surface, it is a particularly arid planet. In fact, water only has 1% of its mass. By contrast, in the case of TOI-1452 b, the research shows that it is largely composed of something less dense than rock, but more dense than gas: a sign of ocean potential. In fact, the fraction of the exoplanet’s liquid water mass would reach 30%.
“TOI-1452 b is one of the best planet-ocean candidates we have found to date,” rejoices Charles Cadieux, doctoral student in astrophysics at the University of Montreal.
“Its radius and mass suggest a much lower density than would be expected for a planet composed primarily of metal and rock, like Earth,” he continues.
It would therefore be a giant ocean and above all deep. Therefore, TOI-1452 b would be quite similar to some natural satellites of the solar system such as Ganymede and Callisto, moons of Jupiter, or Titan and Enceladus, moons of Saturn.
Signs of life?
Could there be life on this planet? “It is too early to answer this question, but we know that liquid water is essential for the development of life,” replies René Doyon, director of the Exoplanet Research Institute, in the Montreal Journal.
Now, deeper observations are needed. And TOI-1452 b represents a prime target for NASA’s James-Webb Space Telescope. “Observations with Webb will be essential to better and more precisely determine the nature of TOI-1452 b. As soon as we can, we will request time to observe this strange planet”, concludes René Doyon.
Source: BFM TV
