Astronomers suggest that many rocky planets are likely to be found in habitable zones during the coming years, and some of these will provide a better platform for research with current instruments.
Gliese 581 is one of just nine stars at that particular distance which astronomers have searched with high enough precision to uncover a planet in the habitable zone.
Even if there is no life on Gliese 581g, its discovery reveals that habitable planets are quite common, with around 10 to 20 per cent of red dwarves and sun-like stars boasting them.
Because Gliese 581 is only 1% as bright as the Sun, it exudes little warmth, and its habitable zone lies much closer. At this distance, planets get locked into strong gravitational pulls that tend to slow their rotation.
Roughly the same goes for Gliese 581d, which has a stronger presence in the habitable zone on its far side, but may not be hot enough for liquid water - opinion is not 'completely settled' on this matter.
Gliese 581c skims the near side of the habitable zone, but scientists suggest that it does not have enough of a toehold in this zone to provide a stable infrastructure for organic formations.
Two outer planets of the Kepler 62 system may lie in the habitable zone. Their orbits place them both in the “Goldilocks” zone of lukewarm temperatures suitable for liquid water.
Two outer planets of the Kepler 62 system may lie in the habitable zone. Their orbits place them both in the “Goldilocks” zone of lukewarm temperatures suitable for liquid water.
Two outer planets of the Kepler 62 system may lie in the habitable zone. Their orbits place them both in the “Goldilocks” zone of lukewarm temperatures suitable for liquid water.
The ISS is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. It has been continuously occupied for over 12 years and has been visited by astronauts and cosmonauts from 15 different nations.
The ISS is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. It has been continuously occupied for over 12 years and has been visited by astronauts and cosmonauts from 15 different nations.
The ISS is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. It has been continuously occupied for over 12 years and has been visited by astronauts and cosmonauts from 15 different nations.
The ISS is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. It has been continuously occupied for over 12 years and has been visited by astronauts and cosmonauts from 15 different nations.