Researchers from IAC and ULL have confirmed the discovery of a super-Earth in the habitable zone of the star HD 20794, just 20 light-years away. This planet, named HD 20794 d, has a mass six times that of Earth and orbits its star every 647 days. Due to its position in the habitable zone, it could potentially sustain liquid water on its surface. This discovery was made possible by over 20 years of observations using sophisticated instruments like ESPRESSO and HARPS. The planet’s eccentric orbit offers a unique opportunity to study variations in habitability over time. The planet is not a second home for humanity, but it provides valuable insights into planetary evolution.
https://www.iac.es/en/outreach/news/iac-confirms-existence-super-earth-habitable-zone-sun-star