Almost like Earth: Wolf 1069 b is a little bigger and heavier than Earth.
Goes around a small star: It orbits a small, cool star called Wolf 1069, not as bright as our Sun.
Short year: A year there is only 15.6 days long.
Could have water: It’s in the habitable zone, so it may have liquid water.
Not too hot or cold: If it has air (an atmosphere), some parts could be just right for life.
One side always faces the star: One half is always daytime, and the other half is always night.
31 light-years away: That’s how far it is from Earth.
Found by star movement: Scientists found it by watching tiny wobbles in the star it orbits.
Calm star: The star doesn’t have many explosions or flares, which is good for life.
Good place to look for life: It’s one of the best nearby planets to study for signs of life.
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What do you think it would be like to live on a planet where one side is always night?
Why do scientists look for planets that might have water?
How do you think people could visit a planet that’s really far away, like 31 light-years?
What would it feel like if your whole year lasted just 15 days?
Why is it helpful if a star doesn’t have lots of explosions or flares?
If Wolf 1069 b is heavier than Earth, do you think jumping would be easier or harder? Why?
What might plants need to grow on a new planet?
Why do you think scientists are excited to study planets like Wolf 1069 b?
How can scientists tell a planet is there just by watching a star?