Astronomers Discover New Earth-Like Planet Just 12 Light Years Away

In a discovery that has electrified the scientific community, astronomers have found an Earth-like planet orbiting a nearby star, just 12 light years from our solar system. Named Proxima Terra, the planet sits squarely in the habitable zone where liquid water could exist.

"This is the closest we've ever come to finding a potential second Earth," said Dr. Ana Rodriguez of the European Space Agency. "The conditions on Proxima Terra appear remarkably similar to early Earth."

The planet is slightly larger than Earth and receives about the same amount of light from its star. Spectroscopic analysis suggests the presence of water vapor and possibly oxygen in its atmosphere.

While 12 light years is still impossibly far for current technology, this discovery reinvigorates the search for extraterrestrial life and the development of faster space travel technologies.