Scientists have discovered a new planet named GJ 3378b, which may have the conditions necessary to support life. It is located 25 light-years away from us, which is very close by cosmic standards.
The planet is located in its star's "habitable zone," where the existence of water in a liquid state is possible. It receives almost as much energy from its star as Earth does from the Sun.
The greatest mystery is its atmosphere. Scientists do not yet know if the planet has a protective layer or if the star's radiation has "stripped" it away. In the coming years, using next-generation telescopes, experts will attempt to determine whether the planet has an atmosphere and signs of life.
