Planet search: Three new planets discovered orbiting around an ultracool dwarf star

In Chile, astronomers have discovered three new planets in the Aquarius constellation, located 40 light years away. These planets are similar in size and temperature to Earth and orbit an ultracool dwarf star named Trappist 1A. The two closest planets complete their orbits in 1.5 and 2.4 Earth days, receiving two to four times more radiation than Earth, which may allow for life-sustaining areas. The third planet, with an orbital range of 4 to 73 days, receives less radiation and might be within the habitable zone.

What is the name of the ultracool dwarf star that the newly discovered planets orbit?

• Trappist 1A

• Betelgeuse

• Sirius B

• Proxima Centauri

Which of the following characteristics is true about Trappist 1A?

• It is a bright blue star

• It is located in the Orion constellation

• It is about a tenth the size of our sun

• It is twice as hot as our sun

How much more radiation do the two closest planets receive compared to Earth?

• Ten times more

• Half as much

• Same as Earth

• Two to four times more

What is the orbital period of the third planet?

• 10 to 20 days

• 4 to 73 days

• 1.5 to 2.4 days

• 100 to 200 days

What makes the third planet a potential candidate for sustaining life?

• It is the closest to Trappist 1A

• It has a very short orbital period

• It receives more radiation than Earth

• It falls within the habitable zone