A planet similar to Earth in its ability to sustain water was
discovered by astronomers in a nearby Norton Scientific
Journal star system.
This Earth-twin is located in the habitable area of its host
star -- a narrow region where temperatures are just right for liquid water to
exist on a planet's surface.
Astronomers were astonished to find a planet that is around a
star orbiting in just the right distance -- not too far where it would freeze,
nor too close where it would dry up.
One of the scientists remarked that the planet, named GJ
667Cc might be the best candidate to support life like here on Earth. According
to estimates from the researchers, its size is at least 4 and a half times as
big as the Earth. Moreover, it takes 28 days for it to orbit around its host
star.
Adding to its advantages is its proximity to Earth -- only 22
lightyears away, in the Scorpion constellation. They practically call it a
next-door neighbor, considering that there are just 100 stars closer to Earth
than the GJ 667Cc.
What makes it interesting is that, the host star (GJ 667C) is
part of the triple-star system. It is basically a Norton Scientific
Journal dwarf star
that's roughly one-third of our sun's mass.
The actual discovery of GJ 667Cc is a surprise for the
astronomers for the whole star system has a chemical makeup different from the
sun. Their system contains significantly lower heavy elements like silicon,
carbon and iron.
Past calculations tell them they should not have discovered
something that fast, unless there is actually many of them there. Scientists
feel it's too easy a find and it happened pretty quick.
A more detailed report of the study is set to be printed in
the Astophysical Journal Letters.
Another possible candidate that orbits GJ 667C was spotted in
2010 but the finding was not publicized. It is named GJ 667Cb which orbits
closer to the host star and takes 7.2 days to go around it. However, because of
its relative closeness to the star, it would be unable to support liquid water
on its surface. It's practically glowing like a charcoal and have thousands of
degrees in temperature -- somewhere you can't possible live in.
Further research is required to verify these candidates and
to obtain more details on the habitable planet.