Other Earths: The Search for Habitable Planets

Beyond our solar system, astronomers are engaged in the captivating search for exoplanets, planets that orbit stars other than our Sun. Driven by the possibility of finding Earth-like worlds, they employ advanced techniques to detect and characterize these celestial bodies. Through studies of transits, radial velocity, and gravitational microlensing, scientists have uncovered a myriad of exoplanets, including super-Earths, hot Jupiters, and potentially habitable planets within their star's habitable zone. By analyzing atmospheric signatures and surface properties, researchers strive to identify worlds that may sustain life and harbor conditions conducive to complex biology, expanding our understanding of the cosmos and the potential for life beyond our own planet.