Newly Discovered Planet Is Most Like Earth

NASA has discovered a planet that, as far as discovered planets go, is most like Earth. The planet is called Kepler 452b, and it is the first discovered that is nearly the same size as Earth within the habitable zone surrounding a sun-like star. This marks the space agency's latest efforts in finding an "Earth twin" — that is, a planet that is most similar to our own and that is able to sustain life. Its size and location aren't the only things Kepler 452b has in common with Earth, however.

NASA formally announced the discovery today, though it previously revealed that it would be making such an announcement. This isn't the first potentially habitable Kepler planet discovered, but is the most Earth-like, and for several reasons. Researchers describe it as an older and bigger cousin to our own planet.

Kepler 452b is 60-percent larger than Earth, but has a year that is only 385 days long (5-percent longer than our own years). It is also located 5-percent farther away from its star relative to Earth's position to the Sun. And speaking of its star, it is similar to our own sun, being the same temperature but 20-percent brighter and a tad larger.

Past research indicates that Kepler 452b may have a rocky surface, though that isn't confirmed. Said NASA's John Grunsfeld, "This exciting result brings us one step closer to finding an Earth 2.0." Check out the timeline below for other recent NASA news.

SOURCE: NASA