Earth-like Exoplanet Discovered

Artist's depiction of the exoplanet GJ667Cc and the three stars of its triple star system.

Scientists have located a new planet outside our solar system that has them really excited.  Though 4.5 times the mass of the Earth, they believe it is composed of the same types of materials.  The planet resides in a triple star system and orbits an M-dwarf within the star's inhabitable zone.  And at 22 light years away, it should be close enough for us to eventually, with the right advances in technology, analyze the atmosphere and look for signs of life more directly.  Too bad we can't just hop into the Enterprise and go have a look.  I'd love to go along for that trip!

For more interesting information about this discovery (and believe me, it's worth the look), go to the article about it in Times.

Ohh, I love this stuff!