NASA has discovered an 'ocean world' where a year lasts only 11 days

NASA has discovered a water planet 100 million light years from Earth that completes one orbit of its star every 11 days.

A group of astronomers from the University of Montreal came across the oceanic planet via NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS, according to a study published in The Astronomical Journal.

CNET reports that the water-capped planet, named TOI-1452 b by scientists, is believed to live 100 million light years from Earth and orbits within a binary star system between the constellation Draco.

Credit: Alexandr Yurtchenko / Alamy Stock Photo

Professor René Doyon of the University of Montreal said in a press release: “I am extremely proud of this discovery because it shows the high caliber of our researchers and instrumentation.

"Thanks to the OMM, a special instrument designed in our laboratories called SPIRou and an innovative analytical method developed by our research team, we were able to detect this one-of-a-kind exoplanet."

While more research still needs to be done, the newly discovered planet is believed to be 70 percent larger than Earth and its density could be consistent with having a deep ocean.

Lead author of the study, Charles Cadieux, shared: "TOI-1452 b is one of the best candidates for an ocean planet we have found to date.

Credit: Stocktrek Images, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo

"Its radius and mass suggest a much lower density than one would expect for a planet that is basically composed of metal and rock, like Earth."

It sounds like something right now in Christopher Nolan's Interstellar; when the astronauts visit Miller's planet, which is covered by a seemingly endless shallow ocean. Honestly, just put in some floating cafes and a shopping district and we can call it home.

But surprisingly, the planet is reported to be close enough to its star, accumulating a mild temperature that could potentially support life.

However, the type of life and how long it could thrive is something researchers are still trying to figure out.

Professor Doyon revealed that the exoplanet needed to be observed further with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, the largest optical telescope in space known for its high infrared resolution, which captures shots deep into the universe.

"Our observations with the Webb Telescope will be essential to better understand TOI-1452 b," he said.

"As soon as we can, we will reserve time at Webb to observe this strange and wonderful world."