Forty light years from Earth, there is a world that looks a lot like Venus. But unlike the most sweltering, hellish planet in the Solar System, this not so distant planet could actually be the next Earth. This world is called Gliese 12 b.
Located in the Pisces constellation, Gliese 12 b orbits a red dwarf star. This means the planet receives significantly less heat than it would from a star like our Sun, even though it orbits relatively close. In fact, the planet receives about 1.6 times the energy that Earth gets from the Sun. While warmer than Earth, it is far from the extreme conditions of Venus, giving it intriguing potential for habitability.
Gliese 12 b is roughly the same size as Earth, but its mass is almost four times greater. This means surface gravity would be much stronger, making movement more strenuous than on Earth. The planet completes a full orbit around its star in just 12.8 days, which would make for extremely short “years” compared to our own calendar.
Temperatures on the surface can reach around 62 degrees Celsius, hot enough to be uncomfortable but still far from fatal. The planet’s atmosphere is made up primarily of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, with traces of other gases. While this composition explains the warmth, it also means that oxygen is absent, making the planet inhospitable to humans without specialized life support.
Despite these challenges, the planet has a rocky surface and sits in the habitable zone of its star, suggesting that water could exist. Any liquid water would likely be critical for any potential life forms, even if microbial. Exploring the surface reveals signs of animal life, hinting at ecosystems that may have adapted to the harsh conditions.
While Gliese 12 b would be a difficult place for humans to inhabit, it offers a glimpse of what alien worlds could be like. Rocky terrain, short years, stronger gravity, and a dense, warm atmosphere create an environment that is both alien and fascinating. It is a reminder that the search for habitable exoplanets extends beyond just finding Earth twins; it is about discovering worlds that challenge our understanding of life, survival, and exploration.
Gliese 12 b may not be ready for human colonization, but it represents the endless possibilities the universe holds. From its unique orbit to its potential water sources and native life, this red dwarf planet invites the imagination to envision a new frontier, one that is at once alien, mysterious, and full of potential.
