NASA discovers new Earth-like planet just 31 light years away

Nasa’s planet spotting telescope has uncovered another three planets, which scientists say include the first nearby super-Earth.  The planet, called GJ 357 d, orbits a star around 31 light years away in the so-called habitable zone, an area far enough from its star to not be too hot but close enough to not be too cold.  In this region, it is possible for liquid water to exist on the surface of a planet if it is rocky, although further research is needed to work out whether GJ 357 d’s atmosphere is dense and warm enough to host liquid water.