Researchers have found a data-driven way to detect distant planets and refine the search for worlds similar to Earth.

A distant planet orbiting two stars, found by its warping of spacetime, has been confirmed using observations from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.

There's a possibility that liquid water could exist on the surface of the planet, raising the tantalizing possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Its short orbital period could help with future studies of biological activity. 

A rocky extrasolar planet with a mass similar to Earth’s was recently detected around Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to our sun, and it could be habitable.

The finding is "an important clue to figuring out the process by which our Solar System formed, and might help us understand where habitable planets are likely to be found."

"If Proxima b is habitable, then it might be an ideal place to move. Perhaps we have just discovered a future home for humanity."

"Our field is very focused on finding Earth 2.0, and anything we can do to narrow the search is helpful."