Astronomers discover nearby "super-Earth" planet with potential for life

A recently discovered "super-Earth" called TOI-715 b raises questions about its potential as a habitat. The planet lies in the habitable zone, where water could exist, and is about 1.5 times the size of Earth. Scientists suspect that this system could also be home to a second Earth-sized planet. The international team, led by astronomer Georgina Dransfield, used advanced space telescopes to make their findings. They found the planet in orbit around a small reddish star just 137 light years away. The habitable zone, also known as the "Goldilocks zone", is crucial for sustaining life. In this region, water can remain in liquid form on the surface of the planet, which is a crucial prerequisite for life to thrive.NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is expected to provide further insights into this "super-Earth".