Using current propulsion methods, getting there could still take several thousand years.

New research: Closest exoplanet to Earth could host life

Howdy Alien Neighbor

An international team of researchers was able to confirm the existence of Proxima b, an Earth-like planet that's orbiting the star closest to the Sun.

New Research: Closest Exoplanet to Earth Could Host Life

"It's one of the most interesting planets known in the solar neighborhood."

If the image is valid, it shows the closest exoplanet to Earth.

This blurry photo may show a planet in a neighboring star system

Squinting Hard

Astronomers think they've captured an image of an exoplanet orbiting Proxima Centauri, the star that's closest to our solar system.

This Blurry Photo May Show a Planet in a Neighboring Star System

If it's confirmed, it would be the closest exoplanet ever caught on camera.

"If we hadn't looked over the algorithm's work by hand, we would have missed it."

Astronomers discover "intriguing," extremely Earth-like exoplanet

A New Home?

An international team of scientists have discovered an exciting Earth-sized exoplanet that's capable of supporting liquid water.

Astronomers Discover “Intriguing,” Extremely Earth-Like Exoplanet

It's the most similar to Earth in size and estimated temperature out of the thousands of exoplanets discovered by Kepler.

Astronomers found a brutal hell planet where it rains liquid iron

Hell World

Astronomers discovered an exoplanet called WASP-76b with an extreme atmosphere: iron is vaporized in the day and rains back down at night.

Astronomers Found a Brutal Hell Planet Where It Rains Liquid Iron

"One could say that this planet gets rainy in the evening, except it rains iron."

The Earth-like planet is about 1.5 times the size of Earth, and has an orbit that's just bigger than Mercury's.

Student discovers 17 planets, one of which could host life

Embarrassment of Riches

Michelle Kunimoto, an astronomy student, has discovered 17 new planets, including an Earth-like one that could host life, using data from NASA.

Student Discovers 17 Planets, One of Which Could Host Life

Jackpot!

It's 2.6 times the radius of Earth and orbits its star within the "habitable zone."

Astronomers conclude massive exoplanet could host life

Ocean World

A team of astronomers determined that an exoplanet called K2-18b is capable of holding liquid water at habitable conditions.

Astronomers Conclude Massive Exoplanet Could Host Life

This super-Earth could feature a habitable ocean world beneath a thick layer of hydrogen gas.

The exoplanet was first spotted by NASA's planet-hunting space telescope Kepler during a 2019 mission.

This gigantic Neptune-sized exoplanet is incredibly close

A Beautiful Planet in the Neighborhood

A team of astronomers at Penn State just confirmed the existence of G 9-40b, a gigantic super-Earth only roughly 90 light years from Earth.

This Gigantic Neptune-Sized Exoplanet is Incredibly Close

In galactic terms, at least.

NASA’s New Planet Tracker, NEID

It's an important step toward finding new Earth-like worlds.

Here's how NASA's new machine weighs exoplanets

Verdict: Heavy

NASA's new instrument, NEID, can measure the mass of a distant exoplanet with three times the sensitivity of any other equipment out there.

Here’s How NASA’s New Machine Weighs Exoplanets

NASA just unveiled a new exoplanet instrument named NEID.

"Such a system has never been seen before, and it was immediately clear to me that this was a unique star."

Scientists find dead star roasting its giant exoplanet

Zombie Planets

For the first time ever, scientists have discovered a giant exoplanet orbiting a white dwarf — the extremely dense remains of an exploded dead star.

Scientists Find Dead Star Roasting Its Giant Exoplanet

"Such a system has never been seen before."

"The solution to this scientific dilemma is hidden in the 'simple fact' that stars and their planets not only form but also evolve together."

Did this planet survive getting swallowed by its sun?

Red Giant Mystery

Astronomers found an exoplanet that should've been swallowed by its Sun during the red giant evolutionary stage — but they could still pinpoint its location.

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