Scientists have found the most Earth-like planet outside our Solar System to date, an exoplanet with a radius only 50% larger than the Earth and possibly having liquid water on its surface (note: an exoplanet is defined by astronomers as planets around a star other than the Sun).
This "Super Earth" orbits the faint star Gliese 581, which is 20.5 light-years away in the constellation Libra. While it's distance prevents an immediate visit at this point in time (20.5 light years is equivalent to 120 trillion miles), scientists believe new kinds of propulsion technology could make a difference in the future.
Of the 200+ exoplanets so far discovered, a large proportion are Jupiter-like gas giants that experience inhospitable temperatures from their close orbit to hot stars. However the super-Earth of Gliese 581 is in what scientists call the "Goldilocks Zone" where temperatures "are just right" to allow surface water to exist as a liquid. With water, life has a chance to exist.
But what sort of life? This planet has a 13-day orbit - or year, and while its mean temperature is between 0C - 40C, the surface gravity is believed to be twice that of the Earth. Also, the solar radiation from its sun would be higher.
In any case, bookmakers William Hill has shortened the odds on proving the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence from 1,000-1 to 100-1.
New 'super-Earth' found in space
This "Super Earth" orbits the faint star Gliese 581, which is 20.5 light-years away in the constellation Libra. While it's distance prevents an immediate visit at this point in time (20.5 light years is equivalent to 120 trillion miles), scientists believe new kinds of propulsion technology could make a difference in the future.
Of the 200+ exoplanets so far discovered, a large proportion are Jupiter-like gas giants that experience inhospitable temperatures from their close orbit to hot stars. However the super-Earth of Gliese 581 is in what scientists call the "Goldilocks Zone" where temperatures "are just right" to allow surface water to exist as a liquid. With water, life has a chance to exist.
But what sort of life? This planet has a 13-day orbit - or year, and while its mean temperature is between 0C - 40C, the surface gravity is believed to be twice that of the Earth. Also, the solar radiation from its sun would be higher.
In any case, bookmakers William Hill has shortened the odds on proving the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence from 1,000-1 to 100-1.
New 'super-Earth' found in space
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