Astronomers have long searched for rocky planets beyond our solar system with an atmosphere — a trait considered essential for any possibility of harboring life.
Astronomers have searched for years for rocky planets beyond our solar system with an atmosphere — a trait considered essential for any possibility of harboring life. Well, they finally seem to have located one. But this hellish planet — apparently with a surface of molten rock — offers no hope for habitability.
“There are likely better places for a vacation spot in our galaxy.” The planet is probably tidally locked, meaning it perpetually has the same side facing its star, much like the moon does toward Earth. It is located in our Milky Way galaxy about 41 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Cancer. A light year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles . Four other planets, all gas giants, are known to orbit its host star.
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