Astronomers Discover Nearby 'Super-Earth' Planet With Life Potential

A recently discovered "super-Earth", named TOI-715 b is raising questions about its potential to support life. Positioned in the habitable zone, where water could exist, the planet is approximately 1.5 times wider than Earth. Scientists suspect this system might also host a second Earth-sized planet. Led by astronomer Georgina Dransfield, the international team used advanced space telescopes to make their findings. They found the planet orbiting a small reddish star just 137 light-years away. The habitable zone, known as the "Goldilocks’ zone", is crucial for life support. In this region, water can remain in liquid form and stay on the planet's surface, providing a crucial ingredient for life to flourish. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope aims to provide further insights into this "super Earth".