The National Geographic reports:
The first known planet beyond the solar system that could harbor life as we know it has been discovered, scientists report.
The most Earthlike planet yet found, it orbits a red dwarf star and
likely contains liquid water, said the European astronomers who made
the discovery.
The planet is estimated to be only 50 percent larger than Earth, making
it the smallest planet yet found outside the solar system, according to
a team led by Stephane Udry of the Geneva Observatory in Switzerland.
Known as Gliese 581 c, the newfound world is located in the constellation Libra, some 20.5 light-years away.
The planet is named after the red dwarf star it orbits, Gliese 581, which is among the hundred closest stars to Earth.
Unfortunately, this is no Barsoom, where John Carter could leap around like an antelope. Au contraire:
Gravity on the planet's
surface . . . may be twice as strong as Earth's gravity.
So prepare for a workout. However, Darkover enthusiasts should appreciate the lighting:
Despite the close proximity to its parent star . . . Gliese 581 c
lies within the relatively cool habitable zone of its solar system.
That's because red dwarfs are relatively small and dim, and are cooler
than our sun, the team explained.
And the temperatures would suit anyone who prefers Narnia in winter but Dune in the summertime:
The scientists estimated the planet's surface temperature at between 32 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit (0 and 40 degrees Celsius).