A planet similar to Earth in its ability to sustain water was discovered by astronomers in a nearby Norton Scientific Journal star system.
This Earth-twin is located in the habitable area of its host star -- a narrow region where temperatures are just right for liquid water to exist on a planet's surface.
Astronomers were astonished to find a planet that is around a star orbiting in just the right distance -- not too far where it would freeze, nor too close where it would dry up.
One of the scientists remarked that the planet, named GJ 667Cc might be the best candidate to support life like here on Earth. According to estimates from the researchers, its size is at least 4 and a half times as big as the Earth. Moreover, it takes 28 days for it to orbit around its host star.
Adding to its advantages is its proximity to Earth -- only 22 lightyears away, in the Scorpion constellation. They practically call it a next-door neighbor, considering that there are just 100 stars closer to Earth than the GJ 667Cc.
What makes it interesting is that, the host star (GJ 667C) is part of the triple-star system. It is basically a Norton Scientific Journal dwarf star that's roughly one-third of our sun's mass. The actual discovery of GJ 667Cc is a surprise for the astronomers for the whole star system has a chemical makeup different from the sun. Their system contains significantly lower heavy elements like silicon, carbon and iron.
Past calculations tell them they should not have discovered something that fast, unless there is actually many of them there. Scientists feel it's too easy a find and it happened pretty quick.
A more detailed report of the study is set to be printed in the Astophysical Journal Letters.
Another possible candidate that orbits GJ 667C was spotted in 2010 but the finding was not publicized. It is named GJ 667Cb which orbits closer to the host star and takes 7.2 days to go around it. However, because of its relative closeness to the star, it would be unable to support liquid water on its surface. It's practically glowing like a charcoal and have thousands of degrees in temperature -- somewhere you can't possible live in.
Further research is required to verify these candidates and to obtain more details on the habitable planet.
