The discovery of a new exoplanet has attracted the attention of astronomers around the world. One of the newest exoplanets in the spotlight is TOI-700 d, a medium-sized planet located about 100 light years from Earth in the constellation Dorado. This discovery was made by the Kepler Satellite Telescope and confirmed by the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) Space Telescope. TOI-700 d is in the habitable zone, which is the area around a star where conditions might support the existence of liquid water. This planet has a mass almost 1.2 times the mass of Earth and orbits around the red dwarf star, TOI-700, in about 37 days. Interestingly, TOI-700 d not only offers the potential for life but also allows research into planetary atmospheres and the presence of chemical compositions that support life. One interesting aspect of TOI-700 d is the stability of its parent star, TOI-700, which is cooler and smaller than our Sun. This makes the radiation received by TOI-700 d lower, which may create more friendly conditions for life. Researchers are also focusing on further studies regarding the structure of the planet’s atmosphere, which can be detected using spectroscopic techniques. Future exploration includes observing the transition of TOI-700 d as it passes in front of its parent star, to obtain deeper data about its size and atmosphere. In-depth research on this planet could open new perspectives on life beyond our planet, as well as enrich our understanding of the formation and evolution of extrasolar planetary systems. On the other hand, in August 2021, astronomers also discovered an exoplanet called GJ 367 b which is located 31 light years from Earth. This planet is considered a “planet made of iron” due to its basic metal-rich composition. GJ 367 b is twice as large as Earth, with a high density that suggests the planet may have a very large iron core. The two discoveries above show the various types of exoplanets that exist in our galaxy. From TOI-700 d which has the potential to support life to GJ 367 b which offers challenges to planetary structural understanding, these two exoplanets enrich the astronomical literature. Both also highlight the importance of further exoplanet search missions, raising hopes of research answering big questions about the possibility of life beyond Earth. The search for exoplanets also involves a number of sophisticated telescopes and observatories, such as the recently launched James Webb Telescope. With this cutting-edge technology, astronomers hope to detect gas emissions from exoplanet atmospheres that could provide clues to possible life. The focus of future research will be more intensive on follow-up studies and in-depth observations to identify the physical and chemical characteristics of this exoplanet’s atmosphere. Overall, the discovery of new exoplanets such as TOI-700 d and GJ 367 b is not only an achievement for the scientific community but also inspires the public to better understand the complexity and beauty of this universe.
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