Scientists claim to have found the ‘closest ever’ second-Earth, just outside our solar system.
A report from the German Weekly news magazine Der Spiegel claims (citing anonymous sources) that astronomers have found a new Earth-like planet.
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Christophe Rolland via Getty Images
The unnamed exoplanet was said to be orbiting Proxima Centauri – the red dwarf low-mass star about 4.343 light years from earth and the closet star to our solar system.
The proximity to earth of the newly discovered planet also means that it sits within the habitable zone that could allow the planet to hold liquid water on its surface.
Der Spiegel wrote: “The still nameless planet is believed to be Earth-like and orbits at a distance to Proxima Centauri that would allow it to have liquid water on it’s surface – an important requirement for the emergence of life.”
Despite the planet being close by, modern technology would still (disappointingly) never allow us to reach it.
This isn’t the first ‘Earth-like’ planet astronomers have discovered; in 2015, NASA revealed the closest ‘cousin’ of Earth, Kepler 452b, at a distance of 1400 light-years away.
John Grunsfeld, at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington said: “This exciting result brings us one step closer to finding an Earth 2.0.”
The most recent discovery by the ESO is reportedly to be fully confirmed by the European Space Observatory at the end of August, but spokesperson Richard Hook refused to confirm this when asked by AFP.
Stunning Earth Day Pictures 2016
Welcome your Winter(01 of10)
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If you prefer the cold to the heat, then, just like Connor McNally, you will appreciate the first and eagerly-awaited arrival of the winter snow in Tignes, which is captured in this picturesque moment. (credit:Connor McNally)
Sink or Swim(02 of10)
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Check out this GoPro Photo of the Day image of our care-free friend submitted by Dylan Jones, Dot the dolphin, flying through the waves! (credit:Dylan Jones)
Up, Up and Away!(03 of10)
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Scared of heights? Then look away now. Kelly Ortel bravely captures a stunning 360 shot of the Na Pali Coastline in Hawaii from outside of a helicopter. (credit:Kelly Ortel)
Birthday Girl and her Turtle(04 of10)
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Dive in with Nemo, Dory and Crush the sea turtle, to ride the waves, capture every moment and every friend you meet just like Jeremie Tronet did with this stunning image – but try not to get lost! (credit:Jeremie Tronet)
Take it easy(05 of10)
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As the sun hits the navy clouds, Kyle Te-kiwi takes his time to relax in front of the New Zealand sunrise and admire the view with his GoPro. (credit:Kyle Te-kiwi)
Here comes the sun(06 of10)
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Capture a perfect moment, just like Lane Johnson snapping the Aspen morning sun glowing through the crisp Autumn trees in this captivating image. (credit:Lane Johnson)
Recreate your own Jungle Book(07 of10)
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Toot your trunk with Ellie the Elephant and the rest of the bunch in this fun-packed image. Snapped in the jungle, you too could be your very own Mowgli and capture your journey along the way. This incredible image was submitted by Josiah Klakulak. (credit:Josiah Klakulak)
Who let Curious George out?(08 of10)
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If you prefer being up in the sky, swinging from branch to branch, then why not hand your GoPro to the furry friends you meet along the way, just like Martin Karner did with this little guy? Meet George here, monkeying around in Thailand, taking a cheeky selfie to add to his camera roll. (credit:Martin Karner)
Riding The Wave(09 of10)
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With VIP access, Trevor DeHaas secured a permit to allow his cute pup to ride The Wave in Arizona on one of the most beautiful days of the year. (credit:Trevor DeHaas)
Ride your way to beauty(10 of10)
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Forget a competitive cycle, this beautiful image shared by Mitch Cheek shows how cycling solo with eye-capturing scenery of Mount Bromo is always worthy of first place. (credit:Mitch Cheek)