Super-Earth TOI-1846: A New Water-Rich Exoplanet Discovery
- vidyarthee2021
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Astronomers, using data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), have discovered a Super-Earth, named TOI-1846, located 154 light-years away, possibly rich in water and orbiting a red dwarf star.
What is a Super-Earth?
Definition: A type of exoplanet (planet outside our solar system) with a mass up to 10 times that of Earth but lighter than Neptune.
Size: Typically up to twice the diameter of Earth.
Classification Note: The term only refers to size/mass, not habitability.
Variety: Some may be rocky like Earth; others could have thick atmospheres like Neptune.
Larger Variants: Called sub-Neptunes or mini-Neptunes.
Significance of TOI-1846
Detected by NASA's TESS, designed for planet-hunting missions.
Orbits a red dwarf star, known for cooler temperatures and longer lifespans.
May contain water, raising interest in potential habitability or atmospheric studies.
UPSC-Relevant Points
Red dwarfs: Most common type of star in the Milky Way, targets for exoplanet study due to ease of detection.
TESS mission: Successor to Kepler, aims to scan 85% of the sky.
Relevance in GS Paper 3: Space technology, exoplanet discoveries, science & tech developments.
UPSC Prelims MCQ
Q. With reference to Super-Earths, consider the following statements:
They are always habitable and have Earth-like atmospheres.
They are exoplanets that are more massive than Earth but lighter than Neptune.
NASA's TESS mission is designed to search for such planets.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: "Super-Earth" refers to size/mass, not habitability.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct: They are larger than Earth, lighter than Neptune, and discovered through TESS.
UPSC Mains Question (GS3 – Science and Tech)
Q. What are Super-Earths? Discuss their significance in the search for extraterrestrial life and how missions like NASA’s TESS are contributing to exoplanetary science.
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