Scientists confirm new planet in 'Goldilocks zone'

But a new British study, published by London's Queen Mary University and the University of Hertfordshire in 2014, reveals the previous data analysis of Gliese 581d and its companion Gliese 581g was 'inadequate'.

Researchers have now identified Gliese 581d as a planet within what's called the 'Goldilocks' zone, which could support life as conditions are not too hot or cold for liquid water to form.

However it might be too toxic for humans to exist with its thicker air and dim red light from its host star.

It is believed to be the first planet to be found outside our solar system.

"The existence (or not) of GJ 581d is significant because it was the first Earth-like planet discovered in the 'Goldilocks'-zone around another star and it is a benchmark case for the Doppler technique,' said lead author, Dr Guillem Anglada-Escudé.

"There are always discussions among scientists about the ways we interpret data but I'm confident that GJ 581d has been in orbit around Gliese 581 all along.

"In any case, the strength of their statement was way too strong.

"If their way to treat the data had been right, then some planet search projects at several ground-based observatories would need to be significantly revised as they are all aiming to detect even smaller planets.

"One needs to be more careful with these kind of claims."

Astronomers used a spectrometer to identify the planet, which measures starlight emissions caused as a planet orbits it.

Anglada-Escudé added that using their technique made it easier to spot larger planets than smaller ones in the past because their overall impact on a star.

(dailystar.co.uk)