'Earth 2.0' has perfect conditions for maintaining life

Researchers believe that Proxima b, the planet 4.2 light years from Earth, has enough conditions for life to form and multiply.

Proxima b , the closest solar system to the Earth ever known, may possess the necessary conditions to sustain life, including water that exists in liquid form. This is the result of a new study, using a special method to assess the planet's climate, according to IFL Science.

Assume the surface of Proxima b.(Photo: Kornmesser).

Proxima b, published in August 2016, is located 4.2 light-years from Earth, orbiting the star Proxima Centauri, thought to be made up primarily of stone. This planet is often called "Earth 2.0" , because there are many things in common with the Earth.

The latest study by the University of Exeter uses the planetary model of the British Meteorological Agency (MO), often used to investigate the Earth's climate. The conditions on Proxima b are simulated, showing that it is a livable place. However, this is only a speculative experiment. Scientists do not have concrete evidence of Proxima b's ability to sustain life, but it provides a good model for future observations.

Due to lack of information, the team had to put the hypothetical data into the analytical model, for example the entire planet was covered by water. They also gave two atmospheric hypotheses of Proxima b. One is like the Earth, while the other only includes nitrogen gas and a small amount of carbon dioxide. In order to study this planet's atmosphere in a specific way, it will need advanced tools such as the European Large Telescope (E-ELT), expected to operate in 2024.

Proxima b simulation turns around the star Proxima Centauri.(Photo: Kornmesser).

Two hypotheses about motion are also applied to this planet. The first is that it always faces one side of Proxima Centauri, the other is it will rotate three rings in two orbits, similar to Mercury in the solar system. The following hypothesis brings many areas with a suitable temperature range for life.

This research method can be used to study other planets in the near future.