Current Affairs: NASA discovers 7 Earth – like planets, could support alien life
(sources – www.wikimedia.org)
NASA discovers TRAPPIST-1, Seven-Earth like planets with possible alien life
A Dutch-led international research team from NASA has announced the discovery of a solar system around 39 light-years away with seven Earth-size planets revolving around a dwarf star. The newly discovered solar system has dwarf star named as TRAPPIST-1, The Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope (TRAPPIST).
- Because they are located outside of our solar system, these planets are scientifically known as exoplanets.
- The discovery sets a new record for greatest number of habitable-zone planets found around a single star outside our solar system. The newly discovered planets could have liquid water and thus cold possibly also support life.
- Scientists believe that under the right atmospheric conditions, the chances are discovering alien life are highest with the three planets that lie in the habitable zone.