'Super-Earth,' 1 of 50 Newfound Alien Planets, Could Potentially Support Life
Monday, September 12, 2011 - 13:30
in Astronomy & Space
More than 50 new alien planets -- including one so-called super-Earth that could potentially support life -- have been discovered by an exoplanet-hunting telescope from the European Southern Observatory (ESO).The newfound haul of alien planets includes 16 super-Earths , which are potentially rocky worlds that are more massive than our planet. One in particular - called HD 85512 b - has captured astronomers' attention because it orbits at the edge of its star's habitable zone, suggesting conditions could be ripe to support life. [More]