Super Earth Planet May Host Life

A "super-Earth" planet found outside of our solar system could have conditions suitable for life, according to experts at the University of Oxford.  Researchers said the planet has a mass six times greater than our Earth's and orbits in a "habitable zone" of a star similar to the sun.

While located 20 light-years away, scientists believe the planet - named HD 20794 d - could be at the right distance from its star to sustain water on its surface.  Dr Michael Cretignier, postdoctoral research assistant at the university's physics department, said: "Excitingly, its proximity with us means there is hope for future space missions to obtain an image of it."


However, because HD 20794 d orbits in an elliptical way, rather than circular like the Earth, it is unclear whether it would be able to host life.    READ MORE...