Two new planets were discovered last week, and one could perhaps support life.
The planets orbit stars similar to our sun. Both are within 40 light years away and visible in constellations.
The 70 Virinis planet (visible in Virgo), which is about nine times larger than Jupiter, may be mostly gaseous and not have a solid surface. But it may have moons where life could form. Scientists believe the planet’s temperature is warm enough for water to remain in a liquid form. Water that is neither freezing nor boiling is a huge ingredient for lifeforms to begin and grow.
The planet orbiting 47 Ursae Majoris (visible in the Big Dipper) has a mass about three times that of Jupiter. It may have water, too — that water would likely be frozen like polar regions of Mars.
Astronomers say the recent discovery of these and another planet, similar to those in our solar system, will inspire scientists to search harder for life on distant planets.
