A range of theoretical habitable zones with stars of different mass (our solar system is at the centre, a red dwarf similar to Gliese 581 at the bottom). A planet 50\% greater in radius and with about 5 times earth mass orbiting the red dwarf Gliese 581 has been discovered inside the constellation of Libra . A 2005 search revealed that the star Gliese 581 possessed a Neptune sized planet, prompting astronomers to take a closer look. Gliese 581 c , as the planet is aptly named, has an estimated surface temperature between 0 and 40°C (32 and 104°F). Scientists claim the planet is likely to have an atmosphere and liquid water. Artist's impression of the planetary system around the red dwarf Gliese 581. A second planet, about 8 times the mass of earth, was also discovered not too far from Gliese 581 c. A team of scientists from France, Switzerland and Portugal discovered the planets using the ESO 3.6-m telescope from the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher or HARPS, located at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in La Silla , Chile. "The separation between the planet and its star is just right for having liquid water at its surface," said team spokesperson Stephane Udry of the Observatory of Geneva in Versoix , Switzerland. "That's why we are a bit excited." "Liquid water is critical to life as we know it and because of its temperature and relative proximity, this planet will most probably be a very important [focus] of future space missions dedicated to the search for extra-terrestrial life. On the treasure map of the Universe, one would be tempted to mark this planet with an X," added Xavier Delfosse, from Grenoble University in France.
A planet 50\% greater in radius and with about 5 times earth mass orbiting the has been discovered inside the constellation of . A 2005 search revealed that the star Gliese 581 possessed a sized planet, prompting astronomers to take a closer look. , as the planet is aptly named, has an estimated surface temperature between 0 and 40°C (32 and 104°F). Scientists claim the planet is likely to have an atmosphere and liquid water. Artist's impression of the planetary system around the red dwarf Gliese 581. A second planet, about 8 times the mass of earth, was also discovered not too far from Gliese 581 c. A team of scientists from France, Switzerland and Portugal discovered the planets using the ESO 3.6-m telescope from the or HARPS, located at the (ESO) in , Chile. "The separation between the planet and its star is just right for having liquid water at its surface," said team spokesperson Stephane Udry of the in , Switzerland. "That's why we are a bit excited." "Liquid water is critical to life as we know it and because of its temperature and relative proximity, this planet will most probably be a very important [focus] of future space missions dedicated to the search for extra-terrestrial life. On the treasure map of the Universe, one would be tempted to mark this planet with an X," added Xavier Delfosse, from in France.
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range of theoretical habitable zones with stars of different mass (our solar system is at the centre, a red dwarf similar to Gliese 581 at the bottom).
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red dwarf Gliese 581
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Libra
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Neptune
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Gliese 581 c
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High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher
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European Southern Observatory
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La Silla
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Observatory of Geneva in Versoix
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Grenoble University