'Zarmina's World' may support life
21 July 2012 1:48 AM GMT
Astronomers claimed to have discovered a planet that is twice the size of earth and may be capable of supporting human life.
The planet is 22 light years away, previously thought to be 20 light years, and is formally known as Gliese 581g, an Australian daily reported.
The study by astronomers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the Carnegie Institution of Washington shows the planet is twice the size of Earth. It is known as a 'super Earth' due to its ability to hold on to its gassy atmosphere, which increases its chances of retaining liquid.
While such claims by lead researcher, Professor Vogt from the University of California have been previously reported, a new study, released to news.com.au this week, dismisses calls of balderdash by the international science community, the report said.
Vogt said that he has since named it 'Zarmina's World', after his wife.
The planet is 22 light years away, previously thought to be 20 light years, and is formally known as Gliese 581g, an Australian daily reported.
The study by astronomers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the Carnegie Institution of Washington shows the planet is twice the size of Earth. It is known as a 'super Earth' due to its ability to hold on to its gassy atmosphere, which increases its chances of retaining liquid.
While such claims by lead researcher, Professor Vogt from the University of California have been previously reported, a new study, released to news.com.au this week, dismisses calls of balderdash by the international science community, the report said.
Vogt said that he has since named it 'Zarmina's World', after his wife.
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