Astronomers Discover an Earth-Sized Planet in the Habitable Zone of a Nearby Star

A team of astronomers has discovered an Earth-sized planet orbiting a nearby star, GJ 887. The planet, designated GJ 887 b, is located in the habitable zone of its star, meaning that it could potentially support liquid water on its surface.

This discovery is significant because it is the first time an Earth-sized planet has been found in the habitable zone of a star other than our own. GJ 887 b is located just 11 light-years from Earth, making it one of the closest potentially habitable planets ever discovered.

The planet is slightly larger than Earth, with a radius of about 1.25 times that of our planet. It orbits its star every 9.3 days, and its surface temperature is estimated to be between 50 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 65 degrees Celsius).

GJ 887 b is a rocky planet, and it is thought to have a thick atmosphere. The planet’s atmosphere is likely to be rich in water vapor, and it is possible that GJ 887 b has a surface ocean.

This discovery is a major breakthrough in the search for life beyond Earth. GJ 887 b is one of the most promising candidates for a habitable planet ever discovered, and it is now a top target for future exploration.

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