The discovery of new exoplanets is always a major highlight in the world of astronomy, and one of the ones that attracts the most attention is TOI-700 d. Located about 100 light years from Earth in the constellation Dorado, TOI-700 d is a rocky exoplanet located within the habitable zone of its star, TOI-700, which is similar to our Sun. This discovery was announced by NASA in January 2020 and has since been the object of intensive study. TOI-700 d is almost the same size as Earth, with a diameter of about 1.19 times the size of Earth. The planet orbits its star every 37 days, indicating that it receives enough light to allow liquid water to exist—a condition that is absolutely necessary to support life as we know it. Further research using data from the Hubble Spatial Telescope and the Keck Telescope suggests that TOI-700 d may have an atmosphere, potentially increasing its ability to support life. The uniqueness of the TOI-700 d lies not only in its position in the habitable zone, but also in its dimensions and composition that arouse curiosity. Researchers used transit photometry from the Kepler Telescope to detect changes in light from known stars. This discovery shows humanity’s ability to discover exoplanets through increasingly advanced technology. In an effort to learn more about TOI-700 d, astronomers plan to use advanced telescopes such as the James Webb Telescope, which is expected to measure the composition of the atmosphere and the potential for signs of life. This telescope has the ability to detect traces of gases that might be produced by life, such as oxygen or methane. Beyond TOI-700 d, many other exoplanets have also attracted attention, such as Kepler-186f and TRAPPIST-1e. However, TOI-700 d is one of the most interesting because of its proximity and more Earth-like characteristics. These discoveries strengthen our understanding of planetary diversity and the possibility of life beyond Earth. The astronomical community continues to try to understand how exoplanets like TOI-700 d can form atmospheres and support life. Continued discussions and research in the field of astrobiology will provide deeper insight into the opportunities for finding life outside our solar system. The discovery of new exoplanets such as TOI-700 d proves that there are still many mysteries waiting to be uncovered in this vast universe.
