All Wet? Astronomers Claim Discovery of Earth-like Planet

www.sciam.com...

A team of astronomers announced they have discovered the smallest and potentially most Earth-like extrasolar planet yet. Five times as massive as Earth, it orbits a relatively cool star at a distance that would provide earthly temperatures as well, signaling the possibility of liquid water.

and yet again they claim they found a earth like planet .. they get coming in lately. but this is one were they think liquid water is possible and have great potential of life.

"It's sort of at the 'Goldilocks' distance," says Charbonneau—closer to its star and the heat would vaporize any water; farther away and water would freeze

I like that -- "Goldilocks distance'

Excellent find! 20+ light-years isn't exactly in the neighborhood, but it's not exactly a 'fur piece' either.

Y'know, I didn't realize that planets such as Earth caused measurable perturbations in the Sun. I would've guessed that Earth HAS to affect Sol in some manner, just didn't realize it could be measurable with human instruments.

Good thread on many levels -- thanks OP!