Hubble Space Telescope Pinpoints Size of Nearby Exoplanet LTT 1445Ac
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has successfully measured the size of LTT 1445Ac, an Earth-sized exoplanet in a triple star system located in close proximity. Discovered by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), this rocky planet shares a similar size to Earth but has surface temperatures reaching up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
By determining the precise size of LTT 1445Ac, Hubble’s findings offer valuable insights into the composition of this exoplanet and pave the way for further exploration of its atmosphere. With its ability to observe transient events like planetary transits, Hubble accurately measured LTT 1445Ac’s diameter to be only 1.07 times that of Earth.
Despite being similar in size, LTT 1445Ac’s scorching temperatures make it inhospitable for life. This artist’s concept showcases the planet’s close proximity to its red dwarf star, resulting in extreme heat. The image also features LTT 1445Ab, another planet in the system, and provides a visualization of the triple star set-up.
The future looks bright for ongoing research on exoplanets like LTT 1445Ac, with the potential to leverage advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope to better understand these intriguing worlds. The study has been published in The Astronomical Journal, shedding new light on the closest Earth-sized exoplanet to transit an M Dwarf star.
The Hubble Space Telescope, a collaborative effort between NASA and ESA, is at the forefront of groundbreaking astronomical discoveries. With its powerful observational capabilities, Hubble continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.
