Astronomers have discovered a new exoplanet named Gliese 12 b. They found it to be Earth-sized and 40 light-years away. Gliese 12 b is slightly smaller than Earth and similar to Venus.
With an estimated surface temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius), it is hotter than Earth’s average, but cooler than many exoplanets.
This temperature range raises the possibility of liquid water on the planet’s surface, a key ingredient for life as we know it.
The planet may have an Earth-like atmosphere, making it a potential haven for life. But it may have a burning atmosphere like Venus or no atmosphere at all. The possibility of a completely different atmosphere is also on the table.
The exoplanet’s host star is 27 percent the size of our Sun and has a surface temperature 60 percent that of our own star.
