As it turns out, our solar system is not very unique. So far, 236 planets have been found orbiting stars outside of our solar system. In light of this, planet-hunters are proposing that the existence of other habitable planets is very likely. Thanks to new methods, astronomers are now able to easily detect planets the size of Jupiter or Saturn and are discovering that many stars have multiple planets orbiting around them. Interestingly, a planet was found three years ago that seems to be covered in extremely hot water. Although not similar to the water prevalent on Earth, scientists are excited to find this essential element of life on another planet. Swiss and Belgian researchers recently determined that the planet is half water and half rock, providing more support for the argument that life may exist elsewhere in the universe.
SOURCE: American Astronomical Society
