discovering exoplanets
a remedy for earth's cosmic loneliness
BYU–Hawaii students communicated feelings of fascination, excitement and hope regarding the growing field of exoplanet discovery. “Are we alone in the universe?” they reflected, calling it one of the most thought-provoking questions humanity has ever asked. They also shared how uncovering deeper truths about Earth’s planetary system and the wider universe is an exciting development in human history.
“We know there are more planets than stars in the galaxy,” says the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). According to their website, ever since the discovery of the first exoplanet orbiting a star like Earth’s Sun in 1995, humanity’s quest to determine the existence of life out there has been gaining more traction, making it one of the fastest growing areas in astronomy today.
Jethro Sumiran, a sophomore from the Philippines studying computer science, expressed, “I believe there are worlds besides our own. For me, space and life as a whole is a near incomprehensible concept and I find excitement in believing in life beyond our bubble.” He said in this grand cosmic mystery, the more humanity learns, the more they realize how little they understand.
Visions of cosmic neighbors: Is Earth truly alone?
Currently, NASA reveals over 5,800 confirmed exoplanets, constituting only a small portion of the billions of planets astronomers believe exist. According to NASA’s account, recent developments in humanity’s long history of astronomical speculation are significant steps taken toward getting a more precise answer to the big question regarding Earth’s cosmic loneliness.
“So far, our home is unique in the universe,” shares NASA on their website. They say obtaining data about worlds beyond the solar system only ever bred more questions that get more complex by the day. “We stand at a crossroads in search [of] life,” NASA adds. They say although humanity’s technology continues to get more powerful, the only life humankind can ascertain is still right here at home.
Jared Wong, a sophomore from Malaysia studying computer science and intercultural peacebuilding, shared, “I feel like there's a species out there somewhere, somehow, very far from Earth that either has a lower intelligence or higher intelligence.” Abish Casilen, a freshman from Utah majoring in communication, also said, “There’s so much space in the universe. I feel like it’s a little hard to believe we’re the only ones who exist.”
What are exoplanets?
NASA’s website officially defines an exoplanet as any planet beyond the solar system. At least one planet on average is estimated to orbit every star in the galaxy, and most of the discoveries so far only lie in a “relatively small region” of the Milky Way, it explains. The first discoveries of planets around other stars were from the 1990s, but according to NASA, scientists did not realize the sheer number of exoplanets that exist until their launch of the Kepler space telescope in 2009. They said Kepler’s detection of billions of hidden exoplanets in our galaxy alone further fanned humanity’s thirst to explore outside Earth’s space pocket.
Wong said, “I feel like humans are sometimes so self-absorbed that we don't look beyond. As the human species, I believe we are naturally born explorers, so this astronomical exploration is just something we are meant to do.” He said it’s fascinating to see all the wonders humankind performs to try and explore what lies beyond.
Why study exoplanets?
Expressing her interest in the existence of exoplanets, Casilen shared, “If we were to find other planets, we could study them and maybe learn how to take care of ours.” She said although Earth is so unique, these potential out-of-this-world systems might be able to help deepen humankind’s understanding of the world or even how the Earth was created.
Sumiran also said, “Discovery of dead planets may aid scientists in understanding how we can prevent the death of our planet.” He emphasized the comparative perspective exoplanets could offer to make humans better understand the uniqueness of Earth.
On their website, NASA says each new planetary system they discover contributes to humanity’s assessment of how the universe works and how the Earth, the sun and its system fit into the whole. Karl Stapelfeldt, chief scientist for NASA’s exoplanet exploration program, shares, “Exoplanet exploration bridges the heavens into human consciousness, and that’s why we do it.”
Meanwhile, Wong expressed he finds no pragmatic benefit in exoplanet discovery. “It does give us more ingredients to make stories out of,” he stated. Referring to the Star Trek franchise, he shared how in awe he was of the many vibrant planets humans can inhabit in a fictional universe. “Maybe it also just gives us a better idea of how small we are,” he added.
Recent developments
According to NASA, several space telescopes are still probing the heavens. They say humanity has come a long way from traditional and error-prone planet detection methods. They are now taking bolder steps towards their grand survey of the cosmos, first marked by the launch of the James Webb space telescope in 2021, humankind’s largest and most complex space science observatory, the agency explains.
“The years and decades ahead will bring us ever closer to the ultimate in self-reflection: a mirror image of our planet Earth,” NASA shares on its website.
Just about a month ago, on Dec. 12, 2024, NASA announced that the Roman mission had finally entered one of its most exciting stages, keeping the observatory on track for completion by fall 2026. Roman will be the most stable large telescope that ever graced the field of astronomy, with a field of view that is 10 times larger than the James Webb space telescope and 100 times more so than the Hubble space telescope, they explain.
“[It] will unveil the cosmos in ways that have never been possible before,” NASA states. The agency confirms on its website that the mission is scheduled to launch by May 2027. They also claim that Roman will survey the skies and reveal cosmic secrets a thousand times faster than any other space telescope ever did.
Sumiran expressed that although he is thrilled to learn more about discoveries and has high hopes for humanity’s progress in this field, he also has mixed feelings about it. “I find it somewhat unsettling to learn [about] how expansive our universe is and how microscopic my existence is in comparison,” he shared.
Exoplanet Types
Explore what we know about our neighbors.
Terrestrial
They can pass as mirror images of Earth. Although smaller, they are said to also have atmospheres and even oceans.
Super Earth
Either rocky or gassy, they’re about a few levels larger than Earth in size.
Neptune-like
They are similar to Neptune and Uranus. Their atmospheres are mostly hydrogen or helium.
Gas Giant
They are similar to Neptune and Uranus. Their atmospheres are mostly hydrogen or helium.
Unknown
Nobody knows what they are, but experts are curious as to what type of atmosphere they will bring.