Another milestone in alien hunt? Earth-size exoplanet may be hiding life in 'Goldilocks Zone'

In continuation with the hunt for aliens, scientists have now found a new planet which may be habitable and have the capacity to sustain human life.

The new planet named Gliese 12 b has been brought to attention in the latest study published inMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Societyon Thursday (May 23).

Scientists said it is “the nearest, transiting temperate, Earth-sized planet found to date.”

The planet was discovered by an international team of scientistswith the help of NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).

According to scientists, this is one of the few rocky planets which has the potential of carrying human lives.

The planet is only 40 light-years away from Earth, which makes it the closest one yet discovered.

Also Read:Is an ocean of magma creating atmosphere on this 'Super Earth'? The possibility has scientists excited

"The majorly interesting thing is that this is a planet that'sreallynearby; in fact, it's one of the closest transiting planets to Earth," said University College of London scientist Larissa Palethorpe, who was part of the team, while speaking to Space.com.

"It's either in the habitable zone of its star or it is right on the edge of it — so, it could be habitable," he added.

In size, Gliese 12 b is only a little smaller in comparison to Earth and has been found orbiting a small and cool red dwarf star.

Artists concept ofGliese 12 b whose estimated size may be as large as Earth or slightly smaller. (Credits: NASA)

This means the exoplanet, even if its distance from itsred dwarf parent is almost 7 per cent of the distance between the sun and Earth,stillremains in the habitable zone of the planetary system.

This habitable zone is called the "Goldilocks Zone". This region around a star is neither too cold nor too hot for hosting liquid water, which is an important ingredient for life.

A child of Venus and Earth?

This exoplanet also resembles Venus which is generally called Earth’s “twin” due to the similarities they share.

"To find it to be such a similar size to Earth was kind of a lovely surprise. So that was areallynice thing to be able to nail down, but I think especially knowing that, in terms of habitability, it could lie between Earth and Venus, isreallyexciting," Palethorpe said.

Gliese 12 b receives about 1.6 times more heat from its star in comparison to the energy Earth receives from the sun, said the scientists.

Watch:Gravitas: Most promising indication of life on another planet found

The average estimated surface temperature of the planet is only 50°F warmer than Earth’s.

Although both Earth and Venus are in thesun's habitable zone, one planet can support life and its atmosphere is favourable while the other planet is inhospitablein nature. The study of Gliese 12 b can help scientists understand why there is a difference between the two.

(With inputs from agencies)