Astronomers around the world continue to discover new planets in distant galaxies, expanding our understanding of the universe. This latest discovery apparently comes from a sophisticated space telescope that is capable of detecting exoplanets outside our solar system. One of the tools that has contributed the most is the Kepler Telescope, which has discovered thousands of exoplanets using the transit method, in which the star appears less bright as the planet passes in front of it. One of the interesting discoveries is a planet named TOI-2109 b. This planet is located about 80 light years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus and is considered a hot-Jupiter, which is a type of giant gas planet that orbits very close to its star. TOI-2109 b has a very high surface temperature, as well as a very short orbital time, taking only 16 hours to complete one orbit. These conditions provide an extreme environment, not supporting life as we know it. The discovery of other exoplanets, such as LHS 3844 b, adds to the list of unique planets in our galaxy. This planet is larger than Earth and does not have a significant atmosphere. Scientists believe that the planet’s surface is covered in solid lava, indicating that volcanic activity may be very high. Further research on this planet is important to understand the geological dynamics of this unpredictable planet. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is one of the latest advances in space exploration and has provided significant updates on the nature of planets in distant galaxies. With its infrared measurement tools, JWST is able to identify molecules in planetary atmospheres, allowing scientists to explore the possible presence of water, methane and other organic compounds. Atmospheric analysis allowed the research team to assess the potential habitability of these planets. Another method used to discover new planets is the radial velocity measurement method, in which astronomers observe the shift in the light wave spectrum of a star due to the planet’s gravitational pull. These methods are often used together to confirm discoveries made by the Kepler Telescope and JWST. The availability of more data and more sophisticated tools supports the discovery of even more new planets. For example, projects such as TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) are designed to discover thousands of new exoplanets and study their characteristics. This discovery is not only of interest to astronomers but also to a public fascinated by the possibility of life forms on other worlds. Advances in technology and scientific understanding promise many new discoveries in the years to come. With ongoing surveys and observations, predictions that there are still many undiscovered planets in our galaxy are increasingly strengthening human curiosity about this vast universe. This discovery opens up the possibility of better understanding cosmic history and the search for other forms of life.
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