An exoplanet located approximately 25 light-years from the Sun has been discovered, measuring about 1.29 times the size of Earth and orbiting in a near-circular orbit within the habitable zone around its star.
Astronomers determined the precise characteristics of the newly discovered exoplanet based on an analysis of data collected by four ground-based spectrographs.
The planet, designated GJ 3378 b, is classified as a "super-Earth". It is approximately 1.29 times the size of Earth and orbits in a near-circular orbit within the habitable zone around its star — a red dwarf of spectral class M4V — located just over 25 light-years from Earth.
According to recent data, as cited by a Russia Today report, the planet is relatively close to its star, which is characterised by low temperature and low luminosity, meaning it provides the planet with a quantity of radiation that may be sufficient to allow liquid water to exist on its surface, should water be present.