Astronomers find the second Earth · 2007-04-26 13:26
Astronomers have found the most Earth-like planet outside our Solar System to date, a world which could have water running on its surface, the BBC reported.
The planet orbits the faint star Gliese 581, which is 20.5 light-years away in the constellation Libra.
Scientists made the discovery using the Eso 3.6m Telescope in Chile.
They say the benign temperatures on the planet mean any water there could exist in liquid form, and this raises the chances it could also harbour life.
“We have estimated that the mean temperature of this ‘super-Earth’ lies between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius, and water would thus be liquid,” explained Stephane Udry of the Geneva Observatory, lead author of the scientific paper reporting the result.
He believes the planet may now become a very important target for future space missions dedicated to the search for extra-terrestrial life.
Professor Glenn White at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is helping to develop the European Space Agency’s Darwin mission, which will scan the nearby Universe, looking for signs of life on Earth-like planets. He said: “This is an important step in the search for true Earth-like exoplanets.”
As the methods become more and more refined, astronomers are narrowing in on the ultimate goal – the detection of a true Earth-like planet elsewhere.”
• Banksy's self-portrait fetches ??198,000
• Larry Birkhead can travel with daughter
|