NASA’s TESS finds its first Earth-sized planet

NASA's TESS mission has identified TOI 700D, an Earth-sized planet in a star's habitable zone, potentially capable of supporting liquid water. TESS observes sky sectors for 27 days, tracking changes in stellar brightness to identify planets. The TOI 700 system includes three planets: TOI 700B, TOI 700C, and TOI 700D, with TOI 700D being the only one in the habitable zone. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has created models to explore TOI 700D's potential conditions, suggesting it could be either water-covered or completely dry.

What makes TOI 700D a significant discovery in the search for habitable planets?

• It is the largest planet discovered by TESS.

• It is located in a star's habitable zone.

• It has the shortest orbit among the planets discovered.

• It is the only gas giant in the TOI 700 system.

How does NASA's TESS mission identify potential planets?

• By measuring the temperature of stars.

• By observing changes in stellar brightness.

• By detecting radio signals from planets.

• By analyzing the color of stars.

Which planet in the TOI 700 system is likely gas-dominated?

• None of the planets

• TOI 700C

• TOI 700B

• TOI 700D

What is the orbital period of TOI 700D?

• 16 days

• 37 days

• 27 days

• 10 days

What are the two potential models for TOI 700D's conditions?

• A gas giant and a rocky planet

• A frozen planet and a desert planet

• A volcanic planet and an icy planet

• A water-covered world and a dry Earth-like planet