Super-Earths are a unique class of exoplanet in the solar system that are more massive than our planet but lighter than the ice giants, according to NASA.
Both newly-found planets circle LP 890-9, a "relatively low activity" red dwarf star, which according to NASA typically has a narrow habitable zone.
But it's a second planet previously unknown to scientists that has proven to be the most intriguing. LP 890-9c, or SPECULOOS-2c, lies slightly farther away from its star than the first planet. It's about 40% bigger than Earth with a radius of more than 5,400 miles and takes about three times as long as its neighboring planet to orbit its star.According to researchers, that orbit duration is within the star's habitable zone.
"This explains why LP 890-9c, despite being much closer to its star than the Earth is to the Sun, could still have conditions that are suitable for life," Pozuelos added.
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