<p> Astronomers claimed to have discovered a planet that is twice the size of earth and may be capable of supporting human life.</p>.<p><br />The planet is 22 light years away, previously thought to be 20 light years, and is formally known as Gliese 581g, an Australian daily reported.</p>.<p><br />The study by astronomers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the Carnegie Institution of Washington shows the planet is twice the size of earth.<br />It is known as a “super earth” due to its ability to hold on to its gassy atmosphere, which increases its chances of retaining liquid.<br /><br />While such claims by lead researcher Professor Vogt from the University of California have been previously reported, a new study, released to News.com.au this week, dismisses calls of balderdash by the international science community, the report said.<br />Vogt said that he has since named it ‘Zarmina’s world’, after his wife.<br />The scientists were not clear whether this liquid is frozen and stored under the surface or flowing freely across the planet.</p>.<p><br />He said that the planet has “churchly weather”.However the researchers were unable to determine what the surface of the planet is like, Vogt was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.</p>.<p><br />The planet exists in a band of perpetual twilight near its orbiting star known as the ‘Goldilocks zone’, an area near earth that isn’t too hot, or cold but is just right for sustaining life.</p>.<p><br />The researcher said after making first contact, an answer may be received within 44 years.</p>.<p><br />This isn’t the first time Vogt has claimed the existence of a habitable planet. His findings back in 2010 sparked a scientific fight between the US researchers and a rival team of Swiss astronomers, known as “HARPS” (High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet).<br />The study will be published in European astrophysics journal, Astronomisch Naschrischten (AEST).</p>
<p> Astronomers claimed to have discovered a planet that is twice the size of earth and may be capable of supporting human life.</p>.<p><br />The planet is 22 light years away, previously thought to be 20 light years, and is formally known as Gliese 581g, an Australian daily reported.</p>.<p><br />The study by astronomers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the Carnegie Institution of Washington shows the planet is twice the size of earth.<br />It is known as a “super earth” due to its ability to hold on to its gassy atmosphere, which increases its chances of retaining liquid.<br /><br />While such claims by lead researcher Professor Vogt from the University of California have been previously reported, a new study, released to News.com.au this week, dismisses calls of balderdash by the international science community, the report said.<br />Vogt said that he has since named it ‘Zarmina’s world’, after his wife.<br />The scientists were not clear whether this liquid is frozen and stored under the surface or flowing freely across the planet.</p>.<p><br />He said that the planet has “churchly weather”.However the researchers were unable to determine what the surface of the planet is like, Vogt was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.</p>.<p><br />The planet exists in a band of perpetual twilight near its orbiting star known as the ‘Goldilocks zone’, an area near earth that isn’t too hot, or cold but is just right for sustaining life.</p>.<p><br />The researcher said after making first contact, an answer may be received within 44 years.</p>.<p><br />This isn’t the first time Vogt has claimed the existence of a habitable planet. His findings back in 2010 sparked a scientific fight between the US researchers and a rival team of Swiss astronomers, known as “HARPS” (High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet).<br />The study will be published in European astrophysics journal, Astronomisch Naschrischten (AEST).</p>