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Saturday, November 26, 2011

'A very compelling case for life': Newly discovered planet is just like Earth and could contain liquid water

  • Gliese 581g in 'Goldilocks zone' meaning conditions just right for life
  • Planet orbits red dwarf star in Libra constellation 123trillion miles away

Scientists have discovered a planet which could have the most Earth-like environment ever found - raising a 'very compelling case' for life there.

Gliese 581g, located around 123trillion miles away, orbits a star at a distance that places it squarely in the habitable - or Goldilocks - zone, Nasa said.

The research, the product of more than a decade of observations at the WM Keck Observatory in Hawaii, suggests the planet could contain liquid water on its surface.

Just like us: Newly discovered Gliese 581g, located 123trillion miles away, is the most Earth-like planet ever discovered. But scientists still believe Saturn's Titan is still the most likely to support alien life

Just like us: Newly discovered Gliese 581g, located 123trillion miles away, is the most Earth-like planet ever discovered. But scientists still believe Saturn's Titan is still the most likely to support alien life

It means it tops the league of planets and moons rated as being most like Earth.

With our planet rated at 1.0 on the Earth Compatibility Index, Gliese 581g, found in the Libra constellation, scored 0.89, ahead of Mars on 0.7.

But U.S. experts believe Saturn's moon, Titan, is still the most likely so far to support life based on surface conditions and whether vital chemical reactions are possible.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2066185/Gliese-581g-Newly-discovered-planet-just-like-Earth-contain-liquid-water.html

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