The discovery of the first earth-like planet outside our solar system was revealed today. The planet is 20.5 light years away from our own, which, relative to the known universe, is just a stone’s throw away. The most interesting announcement about this planet is prospect of water and the temperature range (between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius). In order to support cellular life similar to that on earth, a planet would need to provide an abundant source of liquid water, which, presumably this planet may. Even if all the conditions turn out to be conducive to life, the evolution of organisms on this planet is a whole other step. Whether or not something is alive out there, at least we know we have some place to crash after we’re done trashing this planet.
