Scientists Excited Over New Planet Discoveries

Aiesha Solomon, Staff Writer

Have you ever wondered what life outside Earth might be like? Do you ever think about living life outside our solar system?

Scientists all over the world are thinking the same thoughts because of a new discovery from late February. According to CNN, on February 22nd at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, scientists announced the discovery of seven new planets from outside our solar system. This discovery of such planets from outside of our solar system is rare because the seven planets have the winning combination of being similar in size to Earth and being temperate, which means that the planets in the system, called TRAPPIST 1, could have water on their surfaces and potentially support life.

One of NASA’s exoplanet experts, Aki Roberge, answered multiple questions at the announcement. As for the reason why so many scientists are excited about this new discovery, he said, “These planets are close enough that we’re actually going to be able to study them – particularly when the James Webb Space Telescope launches (in October, 2018).” One of the most valuable pieces of information Roberge provided is that the Earth-like exoplanets seem to be capable of hosting water that hopefully isn’t contaminated with any dangerous elements such as methane.