Earth-like planet spotted by Nasa

Jul 24, 2015

Space agency Nasa's Kepler spacecraft has discovered a new “Earth-like” planet orbiting a star similar to our sun, some 1 400 light years away in the constellation Cygnus.

The United States-based space body has described the new planet, which has been dubbed Kepler-452b, as an “older, bigger cousin” to Earth. Kepler-452b is in a “habitable zone” – which means it is in a region of space that is situated far enough from its sun to allow for the presence of liquid water on its surface.

Even though Kepler-452b is not the first planet in a “habitable zone” that the Kepler mission has found, it is the first one that is near Earth in size, with its diameter some 60% larger than our planet's. Previous research on planets of a similar size suggests there is a good chance of its surface being quite rocky.

Kepler-452b's orbit lasts for 385 days. According to Nasa, its parent (sun-like) star, Kepler-452, is 6-billion years old (1.5-billion years older than our sun), has the same temperature as our sun, and is 20% brighter.

If you're keen to learn more, watch this video by Nasa:

Want to pick an astronomer's brain about this fascinating search for a new Earth? Come join one of our stargazing evenings at Maropeng. The next one is in August and is all about exploring the Milky Way. Book now.