Astronomers find Earth-like exoplanets common across the cosmos

a year ago

Astronomers discovered that super-Earth exoplanets are more common than previously thought using the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet).
The study found that super-Earths can exist as far from their host star as gas giants are from the sun.
Researchers estimated that for every three stars, there is at least one super-Earth with a Jupiter-like orbital period.
Microlensing, an observational effect caused by mass warping space-time, was used to locate exoplanets like OGLE-2016-BLG-0007.
Exoplanets were divided into two groups: super-Earths/Neptune-like planets and gas giants like Jupiter/Saturn.
The findings challenge existing planet-formation theories, suggesting multiple mechanisms may be at play.
Only 237 out of 5,000+ exoplanets have been discovered via microlensing due to its rarity.
KMTNet's global telescope network, including Ohio State-designed KMTCam, enhances exoplanet detection capabilities.
The study involved international collaboration and was published in the journal Science.

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