A distant planet in our galaxy has piqued the interest of astronomers with its potential to host alien life. Discovered 20 light years away, HD 20794d orbits a star similar to our sun and resides in the “Goldilocks zone” of habitability—a region where conditions might allow liquid water, a key ingredient for life as we know it. This planet is among the closest Earth-analogues identified, making it a significant find in the search for extraterrestrial life.
The discovery, based on decades of observations, highlights its proximity to its star, which places it within the habitable zone where planets might sustain liquid water. Researchers note that HD 20794d is one of the closest exoplanets akin to Earth in our galaxy, spanning over 105,000 light-years across. This breakthrough could pave the way for future missions to explore these nearby worlds, offering hope for potential alien life forms.
Source: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/super-earth-discovered-and-its-a-prime-candidate-for-alien-life-jw0z60vfw