Hubble Succeeds Where TESS Couldn't: It Measured the Nearest Transiting Earth-Sized Planet
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has successfully measured the size of the nearest transiting Earth-sized planet, LTT 1445Ac. This rocky world, located just 22 light-years away, was first discovered by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in 2022. However, TESS's resolution was not sufficient to accurately determine the planet's size.
Hubble, with its superior optical capabilities, was able to precisely measure LTT 1445Ac's diameter, revealing that it is only 1.07 times larger than Earth. This means that the planet is likely to be rocky, similar to Earth, and has approximately the same surface gravity. However, with an estimated surface temperature of around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, it is considered too hot to harbor life as we know it.
LTT 1445Ac orbits a red dwarf star, LTT 1445A, which is part of a triple star system. The planet's discovery and size measurement are crucial steps in understanding the potential for life beyond our solar system. By studying the characteristics of exoplanets like LTT 1445Ac, scientists can gain valuable insights into the conditions necessary for life to arise and thrive.
The successful determination of LTT 1445Ac's size highlights the complementary roles of TESS and Hubble in exoplanet research. TESS, with its wide field of view, is adept at identifying potential exoplanets, while Hubble's sharp vision allows for detailed studies of their properties. This collaboration between space telescopes is essential for expanding our knowledge of the vast universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.