As we peer into the endless expanse of space, the discovery of exoplanets—planets orbiting stars outside our solar system—ignites our imagination. Among these discoveries, some exoplanets bear a striking resemblance to Earth, hinting at the possibility of finding other habitable worlds. Here, we introduce you to 10 of the most Earth-like exoplanets known to us so far.
Gliese 667Cc
Positioned a mere 22 light-years away, Gliese 667Cc dances around a red dwarf star, snugly nestled within the habitable zone. However, its close proximity to its host star leaves it vulnerable to potential solar flares.
Kepler-22b
A distant neighbor at 600 light-years away, Kepler-22b gracefully orbits within the habitable zone of its star. Though slightly larger than Earth, its striking similarities make it a compelling subject for further investigation.
Kepler-69
Kepler-69c, residing approximately 2,700 light-years away, gracefully revolves around a star akin to our sun in luminosity. While boasting a size larger than Earth, its position within the habitable zone sparks optimism for potential life.
Kepler-62f
Kepler-62f, about 40 percent larger than Earth, finds itself within the comforting embrace of its star’s habitable zone. Its distance from its cooler star raises tantalizing possibilities of liquid oceans.
Kepler-186f
Kepler-186f, situated some 500 light-years distant, rests on the fringes of its star’s habitable zone. Despite receiving less stellar energy, its rocky constitution instills hope for habitability.
Kepler-442b
This enigmatic exoplanet, 33 percent larger than Earth, completes its cosmic dance around its star every 112 days. Recent studies suggest it may harbor the conditions necessary to sustain life.
Kepler-452b
Kepler-452b, orbiting a sun-like star, mirrors Earth’s orbital path around the sun. Its dimensions and location within the habitable zone tantalize scientists with the prospect of further exploration.
Kepler-1649c
Initially overlooked, Kepler-1649c now garners attention as a planet akin in size to Earth. Its snug position within the habitable zone sparks intriguing questions about its potential for hosting life.
Proxima Centauri b
As Earth’s closest known exoplanetary neighbor, Proxima Centauri b lies just four light-years away. Despite its proximity to its star, its location within the habitable zone piques curiosity about its habitability.
TRAPPIST-1e
Within the TRAPPIST-1 system, TRAPPIST-1e shines as a beacon of hope for potential life. Despite the challenges posed by its star’s radiation, its size and position within the habitable zone ignite optimism for habitability.
The discovery of these Earth-like exoplanets fuels our insatiable curiosity to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos and seek signs of life beyond our humble abode. As technology evolves and our understanding deepens, these distant worlds beckon us to explore and expand our cosmic horizons.